3rd August, 2012 Edition

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

AUGUST 03, 2012

VOLUME 106, No. 31

Princess Margaret Bay, Bequia.

Inset: Colin Thomas (right), a UK yachtsman who was shot, was visited

by Hon. Frederick Stephenson.

by KENVILLE HORNE WHEN YACHT MASTER/ Ocean instructor, Colin Thomas, responded to a call for assistance while aboard his boat ‘Summer Breeze’, he never expected he would have been shot and come close to losing his life.

This was disclosed by the UK national in an exclusive interview with THE VINCENTIAN. At about midnight on Saturday 21st July, Thomas was alone on his yacht, anchored in the Princess Margaret Bay, Bequia, when he heard a noise on deck, followed by the voice of a male calling, “hello, hello.”

Thomas replied, “Yes, what’s the problem?”

The response from the male was that he needed a wrench and a flashlight to go about working on his broken down outboard engine.

Thomas asked the male to wait while he got dressed and after doing that he, Thomas, proceeded to the cockpit. He

inquired again with respect to what the male actually wanted.

From his position, Thomas said he could see the head and shoulders of “two guys” standing in a small boat alongside his yacht, and he became aware of two more men on deck who were partially hidden by a spray hood that keeps rain and spray out.

Thomas concluded that something crooked was in the works.

He ordered the men to get off his boat and, at the same time, reached for a heavy handle that was used with the yacht’s winches.

There and then, the man who had asked for assistance fired a shot which hit Thomas in the right thigh, about 6-7 inches above the knee.

“I felt the impact and realized I was bleeding. The guys on deck scrambled over the side. I heard them start

the engine on their boat and they were gone,” Thomas told THE VINCENTIAN. He further added “My concern now was to stop the bleeding and get help, so I went below deck to find a wound dressing, and turned on the vhf radio.”

He made a call to the Police Station in Port Elizabeth and repeated the call after there was no initial response .

However, a voice came back and identified himself as a local taxi driver. The yacht master explained that he had been shot, and gave his location.

The rescue – no police transport The taxi driver promised he would telephone the police and coast guard. Minutes later, he confirmed he had contacted them.

Continued on Page 3.

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2. FRIDAY, AUGUST 03, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

NEWS

The 2012 Vincy Carnival Magazine is here calypsonians and soca FOR TEN YEARS NOW, tHE exponents. It VINCENTIAN Newspaper has was fitting been producing one of the most that she prestigious carnival magazines grace the the in the Caribbean. cover of the The Vincy Carnival 10th edition Souvenir Magazine boasts an of the abundance of great carnival magazine. memories, enhanced by high The quality photography and magazine powerful stories. It chronicles went on sale the annual Vincy Mas for the first activities, from the Carnival time on Launching to Mardi Gras , Friday 27th, Soca Monarch , Junior under the Carnival , Miss Carival; you Singer name it , you can find it in the Building in Kingstown; it was Vincy Carnival Souvenir sold at a special price of $ Magazine.

10.00 as against its regular Lornette ‘Fya Empress’ $15.00 a copy sale price.

Nedd outshone other Many persons turned up to performing artistes to cop purchase their copies and three and place second in the interact with the staff of THE four competitions open to VINCENTIAN. There was

by KENVILLE HORNE

Former Minister of Culture Rene Baptiste (left) checks out this year’s edition of the Magazine in the company of Jacinta Elliott, Manager of THE VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd. Left: These Carnival aficionados check out the magazine to see if they were included. overwhelming satisfaction expressed with the production.

Copies can be purchased at regular VINCENTIAN Newspaper vendors, supermarkets, bookstores, general merchandise stores and at the office of THE

VINCENTIAN Newspaper in Paul’s Avenue.

Remember, if you can identify yourself in the magazine, just leave your name with THE VINCENTIAN representative and get a chance to win an

exotic dinner for two, at Paradise Beach Hotel.

So purchase the 2012 Vincy Carnival Souvenir Magazine and relive those special memories of the ‘Hottest Carnival in the Caribbean’.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 03, 2012. 3.

News 3 Yachtsman shot Continued from Page 1.

As Thomas recounted his ordeal, he explained that another man came on the radio and there was a three way conversation between them.

“This new voice identified himself as the skipper of a fishing boat anchored in Port Elizabeth and asked my exact location, which I gave. He said he would lift his anchor and come to me”.

Up to this point, there had been no direct conversation between Thomas and the police; all messages, if any to the police, were relayed by third parties.

About an hour after he was shot, the skipper of the fishing boat was able to locate Thomas.

“Eventually, I saw the fishing boat with his navigation lights on, and I pointed a torch towards him. He came alongside my yacht and secured himself to me. He then came aboard.

He was talking to police on his cellphone, telling them he was now with me,” Thomas told THE VINCENTIAN. According to the UK citizen, the police could not come to him since they did not have a boat, so, with the assistance of the fisherman, the wounded man launched his dinghy and proceeded to the small jetty by Jacko’s Beach Bar, which was the

nearest point of access .

“The police wanted me to walk ( 60 meters) to their car on the road. I said that was not possible due to injury and that I would use my dinghy to go into town and that the police could meet me there.”

Soon after, the blue, flashing light of the coast guard boat appeared.

Thomas was transferred to the coast guard vessel which then proceeded into Port Elizabeth where he was met by an ambulance and taken to the Port Elizabeth Hospital.

An examination showed there was no exit wound and the doctor on call ordered that Thomas be taken to Kingstown for an X-ray.

He was transported to Kingstown by the coast guard vessel, met at the Kingstwon wharf by an ambulance and taken to the Milton Cato Memorial hospital. He remained in hospital until Saturday 28th.

circulated, over ten yachts made preparations to depart the Bequia harbour.

He stated that he was unsure of the criminals’ nationality but “ from a yachtman’s perspective we need to feel secure and to that end I feel the government of St.Vincent needs to be more proactive, and provide security patrol or perhaps provide financial assistance to those persons who are prepared to provide security patrol through the anchorage at night.”

Thomas, who is a chartered yacht captain, has been sailing the Caribbean waters for over 29years now. He explained that one of the first concerns of his clients is safety.

“They asked me, ‘Is it safe to leave valuables on board? Is it safe to go on shore? Is it safe to walk around at dark?’, and I normally tell them it is very safe in SVG.”

He admits that his recent ordeal has left him shaken and concerned.

Yet he says, “ I think this incident is such a remote and isolated incident, and I would not let it deter me from coming back,” and in confirming that he would be back next season, he expressed, “ but next season I clearly hope that the responsibly for our security is taken up by the St.Vincent government.”

The tourism authorities have since assisted Thomas by providing him with hotel accommodation, among other things, on mainland St. Vincent.

Honorable Frederick Stephenson met with Thomas on Monday 30th and expressed regret on behalf of his government. He pledged the government’s resoluteness in addressing the issue of security for yachtsmen and fishermen at sea.

The repercussions This unfortunate incident that occurred in the peaceful waters of the Grenadines island of Bequia could definitely affect SVG’s tourism industry and hurt the economy, according to the experienced yachtsman.

He expressed his concern by reporting that after news of his ordeal

(L-R): Shanna Browne (Export Development Manager, Invest SVG), Cleo Huggins (Exec Director, Invest SVG), Candy Gloster (International Songwriter) and Mark Cyrus (International Songwriter & producer) WE STAY, broadly speaking, in the realm of agriculture, but divert into the field of livestock rearing.

Remember when each household, even the rich households, had at lest one farm animal - goat, sheep, rabbit, pig, cow or what have you?

Remember having to ‘tie’ out the goat, sheep or what have you, before making your way to school?

Remember the headmaster waiting at the school gate with strap in hand, demanding an explanation as to why you were late, and when you explained that you were late in getting back

from ‘tieing out the animals’, his response was, “Then you better get up earlier?

Those were the days.

And remember when the persons connected with the Vet Division of the Ministry of Agrcilture didn’t make a fuss to check your ‘sick’ animal in the field?

And remember how you called out Doc. Kirby in the middle of a rainy night when you cow was having problems ‘borning she calf?’

Those were the days when there was a goat, sheep, fowl or what have you, bred and cared for by the family, to be eaten on some festive occasion.

Those were the days when vet and agricultural officers braved rain, storm or shine to ensure that the animal/livestock population of this country was second to done.

And remember when this country used to ship animals to Trinidad? That is another story for another time.

Candy & Mark cause ‘State of Emergency’ Vincentian songwriters, Candy Gloster and Mark Cyrus, are making waves on the international music scene.

The song, ‘State of Emergency, cowritten by Candy, Mark and Shazelle debuted in the number two spot in Japan in less than two weeks after it was launched on Japan’s biggest digital download site, Recochoku.

The song is sung by Canadian-based pop artiste Shazelle and features dancehall king Beenie Man. The single out-charted the likes of Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, Usher, Flo Rida, LMFAO, Rihanna, Pitbull, Maroon 5, amongst other top ranking international artistes.

Candy and Mark were the first two writers signed to publishing company, C2W, and have toured as international songwriters participating in writing camps around the region and the wider world.

Just back from a Sony camp in Anguilla, the two took off for Jamaica where they are participating in another camp which finishes on August 8.

Candy and Mark were catapulted into international stardom after the Caribbean’s first-ever international songwriters camp was hosted by

Invest SVG, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, in 2011.

The initiative was undertaken by the nation’s investment promotions agency, Invest SVG, in an effort to bring much needed attention to the pool of untapped talent that our creative industries hold.

Executive Director of Invest SVG, Cleo Huggins, expressed congratulations to both writers, and further commented on the achievement by stating “This is certainly something to be celebrated, not only because this is testimony of the international appeal of the work of Vincentians, but it is also proof that we have achieved the objectives of Invest SVG by diversifying the songwriters from their core writing of soca, dancehall and ragga-soca to now the international music that most people throughout the world appreciate.”

C2W, the publishing company to which Candy and Mark are now signed, has already been launched on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, and will be launched here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on August 10th, 2012.

This event will be the first of several launches throughout the region.

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4. FRIDAY, AUGUST 03, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

NEWS

URBAN LEAGUE spearheads childrenÊs pogramme

by GLORIAH… THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM, Sports and Culture, in collaboration with the Urban League Inc., commenced its annual Youth Art Summer Programme on Monday, 16th July, at the J. P. Eustace Secondary School in Edinboro.

According to Mr. Sean Frederick, Chairman of the Urban League Inc. and Coordinator of the Programme, the main aim of the workshop is, “to help to develop the arts among the youth.”

Participants involve themselves in a poetry writing session.

Left: Time for some dance and expression.

Below: Drumming instructors Shane Wynne and Jason Raguette are themselves two very young persons.

Programme content aand facilitators Participants are separated into three groups: 4 -6 year olds; 7 — 9 year olds; and 10 — 14 year olds. The 4-6’s do Arts and Craft; the 7 — 9’s do Reading Development, Poetry Writing and Arts and Craft; and the 10 -14’s focus on Dance and Drama. Every Friday is dedicated to Sports for all groups. They play table games, ring games, football, cricket and so on.

Delivering a package of quality service to these children, are: Sherma Simmons, Tiffany Simmons, and KellyAnn Neverson — Arts and Craft; Nisha John — Drama, Poetry and Storytelling; Sean Frederick — Drama; Shane Wynne — Drumming and Dance; Juanita Phillips — Dance; Jason Ragguette — Drumming; and Keyshown Johnny — Sports.

Two field trips have already been made as integral components of the programme. The first outing took place on Thursday, 26th July, to the

Black Point Tunnel; and the second trip took the participants to the Walliabou ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Movie set, and the Layou Petroglyphs site, on Thursday, 2nd August.

Participants Approximately eight-one children are attending the programme.

Coordinator Frederick told THE VINCENTIAN that, along with the usual group, there has been an influx of new participants from areas like Questelles, Campden Park, Redemption Sharpes, Sion Hill, and other areas in Kingstown.

Frederick also remarked that there

has been a noticeable change in the behaviour and attitude of the children. He reported that one of the main focuses of the early morning sessions was the reinforcement of good manners and general deportment. This, he said, was continued throughout the day when necessary.

The children have also been “developing compliance,” Frederick said and admitted happily, “We are supposed to start at 9:00 am, with Devotions at 9:15 am. We encourage them to come for around 8:55 am, so they could practise this during school time; and they do it!”

Certificates and awards The workshop ends on Friday, 10th August, but all participants will return to the school on Monday, 13th August for an official Closing Ceremony, during which they will receive Certificates of Participation and Special Awards.

Children CLAP for Fun

Getting the dry coconut ready for use in making a coconut sugar cake.

‘HAVING FUN while learning about our country’ was the goal of a group of eager youngsters and their teachers over the 2-week “CLAP for Fun” Summer Programme.

This year, the National Public Library Summer Programme, formerly known as CLASPS, was transformed into ‘CLAPS, the Children Library Annual Programme’, and was held at the Library from July 16 — 27.

It attracted children ages 5 to 14 years, who were divided into three classes, 5-7, 8 -10, and 11-14.

The Programme was conducted under the theme ‘Cultural survival, the good old days’, and the children were engaged in a variety of activities.

According to Programme

Co-ordinator Donna McLean, this theme was chosen, “Because we feel that due to technology, we are losing our culture. So we decided to take the kids back and teach them about our days, playing games that as parents we would have learnt, and teaching craft we would have done.”

Mc Lean detailed that the Programme’s objective was to “develop a knowledge and appreciation of our country’s culture as well as to encourage national pride and enhance creative skills.”

Activities through the duration of the programme included painting, learning folk songs and poems, clay work, craft and jewelry projects, making local treats like sugar cake, fudge and cassava bread.

Conroy Dyer, pottery expert, leads participants in a clay work exercise.

There was also time for games, May Pole dancing, tie dying, as well as trips to the Argyle International Airport Site and the Balcolmbe Estate.

At the closing ceremony held on Friday 27th July, the eager youngsters presented their work in the form of song,

dance and an art and crafts exhibition at the Public Library.

The performances included a rendition of a folk song appropriately entitled ‘Granma tell me ‘bout de good ole days’, and a demonstration of the May Pole dance.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 03, 2012. 5.

Regional

Venezuela joins MERCOSUR THE INCORPORATION of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the Common Southern Market, MERCOSUR, which comprises the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Republic of Argentina, the Oriental Republic of Uruguay and the Republic of Paraguay (now suspended for the coup against President Fernando Lugo), is a historical fact which favors the integration of Latin America and the Caribbean, and opens the door for the development of the economies of the neighboring Eastern Caribbean countries.

The final incorporation of Venezuela to the sub-regional market which brings together the major economies of South America, was agreed at the Presidential Summit held by presidents Dilma Russef of Brazil, Cristina Fernandez, Argentina and José Mujica, Uruguay, last June in the city of Mendoza, Argentina.

That summit also decided to suspend the rights of Paraguay as a member state, in accordance with the rules of the democratic safeguards of

MERCOSUR, in response to the coup carried out by most members of parliament of that country, against the democratic government of President Fernando Lugo. This action was repudiated not only by the countries of MERCOSUR, but also the UNASUR, ALBA, and the Central American Integration System, SICA. The President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Hugo Chávez, suspended his programme of activities related to the presidential election on October 7, to travel this Monday to the city of Brasilia, Brazil’s capital, in order to meet with the Presidents of the member countries of MERCOSUR, and to be present at the ceremony in which Venezuela is incorporated fully as a member of this economic SouthAmerican organization.

On arrival at the Brazilian capital, Commander Chavez stated that the presence of Venezuela in the mechanism of economic integration will complement the contributions of individual member countries, as Brazil

contributes with its great industrial development, Argentina with agricultural potential, which (L-R): Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez, Brazil’s binds to the President Dilma Rousseff, Uruguay’s President Jose Mujica, agro-exporting and Argentina’s President Cristina Fernandez, pose for an economies of official photo at the Planalto Palace, in Brasilia, Brazil, Paraguay and Tuesday, July 31, 2012.

Uruguay, and Venezuela This should result in goods and brings its deposits of petroleum and its services being acquired at lower prices, growing energy industry. given a savings on transportation costs Similarly, the Venezuelan on trade with more distant markets.

Bolivarian leader said that the President Chavez also highlighted participation of MERCOSUR will give benefits to be derived from the the country a major boost to the financial markets and goods and integration process in Latin America services of these countries, which and the Caribbean because Venezuela could arise as a result of the signing of will become, by its connection of roads, agreements with MERCOSUR, railways, ports and airports with the CARICOM and OECS, to integrate the Caribbean, a bridge between the economies of its members by countries of South America and the promoting the development and Eastern Caribbean economies. welfare of their peoples.

LIAT gets new CEO A U.S. drone can stay in the air for extended periods.

Drones over the Caribbean sea IT IS NOW FACT. The USA has confirmed that it is flying unmanned aircraft, or drones, above the Caribbean Basin in search of narcotics cargo.

This was confirmed in a statement from Department of Homeland Security (DHS), July 19, The statement pointed out that other surveillance technology, including radar-equipped P-3 aircraft, last up to only 10 hours, making it difficult to “pinpoint drug runners on the high seas.”

In contrast, photos and video taken by drones can be kept for up to 90 days, giving time for exact analysis.

Drone can also stay in the skies for twice as long as the P-3 aircraft, making it possible to track the cocaine-laden speedboats which often sail at night to evade capture.

They said the drones can loiter in the skies twice as long, and especially helps with the surveillance of the cocaine-laden speedboats which often sail at night to evade capture.

According to DHS officials, “the trafficking of illicit goods has shifted from the air to the sea in the Caribbean.”

The US officials, in confirming the use of drones, re-emphasized that they “work closely with law enforcement authorities in many countries throughout the Caribbean Basin, in order to reduce the flow of drugs from the source zone though the transit zone.”

years’ experience, Captain Brunton is a qualified attorney and holds both Bachelor and Master of Laws degrees from the University of London.

The Trinidad Express newspaper quotes Brunton as saying, that his new job “would be a challenge,” but he has always wanted to make a difference by helping the struggling airline achieve its full potential.

Captain Brunton Captain Ian Brunton, takes over from Julie new CEO of LIAT. Reifer-Jones who has been Acting CEO since FORMER CHIEF EXECUTIVE of Trinidad Brian Challenger’s resignation from the and Tobago-owned post, on June 30, 2012.

Caribbean Airlines Ltd Given the recent (CAL), Captain Ian decisions of a LIAT Brunton, is the new Shareholders and Board Chief Executive Officer of Directors meeting, one (CEO) of LIAT. of Captain Brunton’s The Trinidadian’s appointment took effect, immediate concerns could well be overseeing August 01, 2012.

Captain Brunton was the re-fleeting of LIAT’s appointed CAL’s CEO in aging Dash 8 fleet of aircrafts.

2009 but was dismissed And in his native in 2010, following what Trinidad and Tobago, was described as a there has been mixed “verbal disagreement” reaction to Captain with then CAL Brunton’s appointment.

Chairman, George One online comment Nicholas 111, and then pointed to his TnT’s Minister with appointment as a responsibility for Civil blessing in disguise for Aviation, Jack Warner.

In addition to being a TNT and a ‘Lord have mercy’ one for LIAT. pilot with some fifty

On the other hand, another commentator said that, with the appointment, “hope has been returned to LIAT”.

That commentator

viewed Brunton as the man with “steady hands to fly them (LIAT) through this turbulent time.”

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6. FRIDAY, AUGUST 03, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

News

BOSVG taking precautions Photos by Kyron Duncan & Don De Riggs

skills leading up to an amateur radio (Ham radio) licence.

All five staff members The Bank of St. Vincent & successfully completed the Grenadines (BOSVG), in leading the way for local the course, covering areas including antenna banks, has trained an theory and construction, additional five senior frequency allocations for members of staff with

Radio operators in the making, constructing their first dipole antenna.

radio amateurs, wave propagation, basic DC electricity and amateur radio protocols.

The BOSVG has, as part of its emergency plan, an Emcoms (emergency communications) system at all of its branches and at key locations in St. Vincent. This communications infrastructure will play a pivotal role in ensuring communications if and when regular means of communications, like landlines or cell phone services, are disrupted as a result of a natural or manmade disaster.

Hence the need for training of staff to operate this radio communications system.

The intense three-day course was conducted by Donald De Riggs, Director cum Secretary of the Rainbow Radio

(L – R:De Riggs (course instructor), Andrene Hazell, Kerise John, Joy Jack, Colville Murray and Hamilton Davis.

League Inc., who also installed and maintains the Emcoms system for the Bank.

The radio system includes VHF/UHF and HF transceivers, and staff are not only trained to operate this radio equipment, but are also trained to make an emergency antenna, if the existing antenna is damaged by a disruptive event. The antenna is the most important

element of any wireless communications system.

The staff members who completed the ham radio course leading up to a Novice Class Licence were Joy Jack, Andrene Hazell, Kerise John, Colville Murray and Hamilton Davis. The pass mark was 80%, and Hamilton scored a perfect 100. He was rewarded for his success with a new VHF/UHF handheld transceiver,

compliments the Rainbow Radio League Inc. Kyron Duncan of the NTRC administered the test and congratulated the successful candidates on completion of the course.

Ham radio is primarily for friendship and goodwill, but in times of national emergencies, the focus is on the safety of life and property.

A section of the attendees at the closing ceremony.

Teachers training workshop concludes

by PATMOS RICHARDS THE CURTAINS came down on another successful in-service training workshop for teachers here.

The two-week intensive training was a collaborative effort involving the Canadian Federation of Teachers (CFT), The Ministry of Education and the SVG Teachers Union, and was held over the period July 16 — 27.

It was also a special occasion for the CFT which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Over two hundred teachers attended the two-week workshop, and there was an outpouring of expressions of satisfaction when an evaluation exercise was held on the penultimate day.

Some who attended spoke of how

they were able to upgrade their skills, while others spoke of how the workshop helped to reinforce their skills and provide motivation.

Among the areas addressed by the workshop sessions were management, mathematics, pre-school education, reading, science and social studies.

The team of CFT resource persons was assisted by local educators including Stanley ‘Nubbie’ Stephens, Clyde Fitzpatrick, Joycelyn Blake Browne, Kay Martin Jack and Curtis King.

The 2012 training workshop was officially closed last Friday, July 27th, , at the Peace Memorial Hall, where participants presented a cultural package featuring some of the classroom techniques to which they would have been exposed.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 03, 2012. 7.

Environment

Youths learn about Bio-diversity and socio economic development; promoting human stewardship; exposing the youngsters to arts and crafts; and fostering the development of young Vincentians as responsible citizens.

A cross section of facilitators from different agencies was able to work along with the youngsters and impart knowledge of their particular field.

These included: the National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority; Forestry Department; National Trust; Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture, the Participants make an enthusiastic start to their Environmental hike up the Vermont Nature Trail.

Management Department, Marion House and the targeted Secondary school

by KARISSA CLARKE Layou Heritage and children ages 11 to 16, from Tourism Organization. an area stretching from ‘OUR HERITAGE; KNOW IT, THE VINCENTIAN Buccament to Barrouallie.

LOVE IT, AND LEARN IT’. was invited to be a part of With culture and heritage the Summer Programme at its core, the programme on the penultimate day of This was the theme of a aimed at: developing an one-week Summer th Programme, when the understanding and Programme organized and participants embarked on appreciation of the Parks conducted by the Layou a field trip to the Vermont and Protected Areas; Heritage and Tourism Nature Trail, aimed at affording an opportunity Organization (LHTO) in giving them a firsthand to learn and appreciate conjunction with look at Bio-Diversity. The the value of heritage, like National Parks Rivers and field trip began at the Beaches Authority (NPRBA). the petroglyphs; encouraging and exploring CWSA intake, where The programme ran from July 23th to 27th, 2012 and linkages between heritage participants learned about

water collection and treatment.This was followed by a hike through the Vermount Nature Trail which highlighted animals and plants in their natural habitat.Following the hike, the Buccament Bay Resort hosted the group, for lunch and gave a tour of their facilities. Gennine Da Breo, Events Manager at the Resort, expressed delight in hosting the group and detailed the Resort’s desire to “really preserve the nature of the surroundings of the resort.”

The Programme came to a close last Friday, July 27th with a closing ceremony at the Petroglyph Park. Hayden Billingy of The National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority expressed his pleasure to work in collaboration with the Layou Heritage and Tourism Organization on this venture, and the LHTO has made it clear that due to this year’s success, next year’s programme will be “bigger and better.”

A stop at the CWSA Water Catchment provides a lesson in water catchment and management.

Taking in a view alo ng the Trail.

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8. FRIDAY, AUGUST 03, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Managing Editor: Desiree Richards Editor: Cyprian Neehall Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129 Website: www.thevincentian.com Email: vinpub@thevincentian.com Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Editorial

Role models A RECENT CALL from an ardent reader of this column and a letter writer in this week’s issue prompted this piece.

The commonality between the caller and the writer rests with the issue of role models.

A concern was expressed, one direct, the other implicit, that the older generation(s) of Vincentians was (were) failing our young people with respect to providing (not providing) role models.

It would be safe to say, that, given what transpired in today’s Vincentian society as examples for our young people to follow, those more profiled behaviours leave much to be desired.

Parliamentarians hassle with one another for the last say; often times serving up gibberish in exchanges that cause indifference to the highest law-making body of our democracy. One might even be ‘adventurous’ enough to conclude, given the reaction among young people, that this behavior also throws up disillusionment.

Sad to say, but this type of unsavory behaviour and attitude abound in almost every sphere of leadership in this country.

If that be the case, what are we to expect in the future?

Maybe it is that we are not looking in the right places for role models. For there is at least one effort that currently is in train which involves young people setting the pace for other young people. Reference is made here to the UNDP Youth Empowerment Series of Lectures that focuses on the Arts, Business, etc.

No one can say with any accuracy, that man is perfect; but there must be some concern on the part of the leaders, that they have an obligation to encourage and foster upholding and becoming attitudes among our young people.

A role model, and politicians need to take note, must be someone of ‘goodness’; someone who understands the need and strives for continuous improvement in their lives.

To be satisfied with the way we act now and purport that as something to be adopted as ‘good practice’, is to deny that we need to engage, in an ongoing manner, in a process of change and self-development if we are to create and sustain a civil society.

This is possible when our leaders, or those who would want to believe that they are role models, make the effort to involve themselves in a process of self-examination.

Our culture is such that we spend too much time ‘talking’ about things and people. That has its place, but isn’t it also important that we spend some time looking in on ourselves?

But self-examination is not the be all and end all of the process; the process also entails that we have respect for others.

That respect must not merely be extending the ‘niceties that come with the ‘manner maketh bit’, but it must also include a demonstration that we see the value in others, whether we agree or disagree with those persons.

This respect for others will lead to true dialogue among ourselves, our leaders moreso, and an acceptance that we can exist with one another, despite and in spite of our differences.

Yet, there hovers over and above all this the referenced need for those who would want to be role models, the larger call to commit to a pursuit and adopt an unshakeable option for the truth.

Our society is founded on the right to free expression and opinion, and this allows for a myriad of opinions, which might not always be corrct or true, for that matter. It also allows for some to be deliberately untruthful, for whatever reason or reasons.

However, it is safe to say that the one who pursues truth will stand out from the rest of the pack. Therein lies the role model.

History is rife with writers who speak to us about the act of telling the truth being akin to a revolutionary act.

If it is that we have to be revolutionary in this sense, isn’t it worth it for the sake of cultivating a free and civil society for the future generations?

If it is that our leaders are not true role models, and they remain arrogant and ignorant, how can we be hopeful about the future?

A chequered political history of bananas OUR MODERN industry owed its start in the early 1950s to the hard work and resourcefulness of Rudolph Baynes and S.O (Jim) Jack. Labour Party scribes, Leonard Providence and Massey Ferdinand, are therefore on the ball on that score. George Charles cannot claim credit, other than that the industry began in 1954 on his watch, so to speak.

Unfortunately, the banana industry grew up at the time with party politics which affected it from morning. By election year 1957, it had become difficult, for example, to separate out the Banana Board of Management from the executive of the St Vincent Labour Party. The Board’s legal adviser (Milton Cato) Chairman (Rudolph Baynes) and P.R.O (Jim Jack) were respectively leader, deputy-leader and secretary of the Labour Party!

In the House, Slater felt compelled to say a thing or two to Rudolph Baynes: “In my area, people who do not join the Labour Party cannot get a job in the Banana shed. That is perfectly true, and with Mr. Jack, yourself and Mr. Joachim, that is the Labour Part in toto. You know very well you bought votes out of the Banana Association, and I can bring you the proof....”

Strange is it not, that Leonard Providence who comes from North Leeward, as did Slater and Joachim, writes today harking back to the good old days when the industry had been unpolluted by politics which the N.D.P allegedly introduced after 1984!

Not only politics, but corruption and malpractice dogged the industry in its infancy.

There were charges of mysterious burglaries at the Association head office, and the usual stories of sums of money vanishing without trace. So much so that the P.P.P, which captured Government in 1957, was supported by the general populace as well as the press, when it moved to suspend the Board of Management, set up an interim Board, and appointed a Commission of Enquiry (1958).

Regrettably, if predictably, Mr. Joshua, as leader of government business, appointed himself interim Chairman. Worse still, he named as P.R.O, a Party hack, Conrad Forbes, who knew next to nothing about bananas, forcing Geest’s local manager at the time to remark that, “it would appear to me, a comparative stranger among you, that far too much politics is mixed up with your main St. Vincent industry”.

But, true to form, the interim Board had embarked on a policy of Party- Cleansing, according to critics. One letter to the Press at the time noted Joshua’s threats made in “enemy” territory as he made the rounds: “I will flit every one of you out of the concern before long, because I know that you are all supporters of the Labour Party.... I have you in the palms of my hand now: I will make you stump out every root of your lacatan”.

In the end, the Commission ticked off Rudolph Baynes and justified the suspension while opposing the presence of a Minister on the Board.

It recommended some structural tightening-up, stricter obedience to rules and regulations, and restoration of the industry to a democratically elected Board.

Former Labour Party functionaries found themselves again at the main levers of control.

Dr. Alderman Sutherland, a founding-father of the Party and defeated candidate in Central Windward in 1957, was elected Chairman, with S.O Jack as his vice-Chairman.

Significantly, when Rudolph Baynes tried to stage a comeback in politics during the “Statehood years”, he was shifted from the Kingstown constituency to Central Windward known for its banana production. But the people

preferred Joshua to him by a long way.

Ironically, the bi-partisan feuding eventually forced the growers to entrust the welfare of their business to Planter-type chairmen who appeared to rise above any pettiness and cheap politicking.

In this regard, Hilary Da Silva and, more especially, Ivo Sinson, who went on to become Chairman Winban, made a sterling contribution to the development of the industry in its middle years.

But the man who really cleaned out the stables, straightened out the books, and put the industry on a sound financial footing was Manager-Secretary Frank Williams, borrowed from the Civil Service where he had made his mark. In time, he, too was absorbed by Winban.

With the industry now boasting pride of place as the State’s most prolific export money-earner, the Labour Government of the day enacted legislation to ensure more control (1976).

Henceforth Cabinet chose the Chairman from a pool of growers balanced off by a like number of ex-officios that gave the Government an edge, reminiscent of old colonial legislatures.

But neither the old structures, arrangements or relationships could contain, far less nurture, the inner dynamic self-generated by the industry over the years.

The times called for serious changes and a total redefinition of the situation.

The industry was started in colonial times, after only three years of the first voting under Adult Suffrage in 1951. Naturally, the first contact, contract, and ties with the overseas market agents, by and large reflected the colonial relationship. Growers were the hewers of wood and drawers of water in the industry. As it were, our people have come a long way these past forty years. The industry needs to mirror and match the political changes to ensure balanced growth nationally.

Perhaps the time has come for there to be a broadening of the institutional base to let in Government and Geest as true partners with the farmers, and the industry by handling in real “cluster package”, production, shipping, insurance, marketing and distribution, whatever.

Only then would the industry have ripened, and the country that produced it come of age.

So the Banana Industry did not start sometime after 2001 when the U.L.P took power.

It was always riddled with problems, internal and external. From its inception, patronage and victimisation were present. It had its ups-and down, its high and its lows.

Perhaps it has hit rock bottom at the moment, and the Government of the day, now twelve years old, must bear the responsibility. Montgomery Daniel, former Minister of Agriculture, should have been dismissed as Minister period, not shifted to some other ministry. The 8:7 situation tolerates tomfoolery with impunity in Government.

As good patriots, we all hope and pray that Saboto can lead a banana revival almost from scratch in these troublous times. Gonsalves, for his part, needs to straighten out governmental affairs before the International community demands our production of “straight” banana, as they nearly did during the reign of James Mitchell.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 03, 2012. 9.

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I expect better from you, Karib Cable I AM A KARIB CABLE subscriber and enjoy Cable television service with extra packages. Some weeks ago I was watching a favourite programme of mine when all of a sudden, there was a Karib Cable advertisement promoting one of their packages. My first thought was that some glitch caused the TV channel to change, so I quickly pressed the remote to get back to the channel, CNN. Attempting to return to the channel, I realized then that there was no error; the television channel had not changed; Karib Cable had interjected one of its advertisements into the channel.

When the realization set in, I thought, “Is this legal?” Legal or not, it is

definitely unethically.

This past month, I’ve seen a string of Karib Cable ads interjected into various channels, CNN(3), Food Network(46) and more.

I’m certain that the proper action would be for Karib Cable to book an advertising spot with whichever cable channel it wants to show its advertisement on, and have that ad run at an allotted time.

Because you are the local cable service provider, Karib Cable, this does not give you the right to interject your ads into another channel’s programming.

Furthermore, even if it is during the channel’s own intermission, you cannot determine that your ad

takes precedence over whatever ad was rightfully airing on whichever channel you interjected.

Karib Cable, I expect better from you. As the leading provider of cable television service in SVG, your service should be exemplary. These occurrences also make me wonder who monitors the goings-on of Karib Cable. Does the NTRC, the Consumer Affairs Department or some other such entity pay attention to such questionable practices by Karib Cable?

Come on, Karib Cable — you know better and you should do better.

And please, authorities, please lend a hand in

Praise for Sammy too YOU KNOW WE WEST INDIANS like to criticize. We tend to forget quickly about the good that our people do, and concentrate on the mistakes they make. It’s not only in cricket that this happens, but it’s even worse when it comes to our politics.

* Is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs doing anything to investigate the disappearance of our young men in Barbados waters? * What is there to hide about the grounds on which Mr. David Ames was granted citizenship of this country? * When are we going to hear the real truth about the banana industry? * Was there really an increase, as some commentators say, in the number of visitors for Vincy Mas 2012?

I mean: Look how much criticism poor Darren Sammy has been getting from the so called lovers of cricket in the West Indies. Big and small across the region have called for his neck.

Instead of giving the man a chance to build a winning team, we pull him down.

I looked around on the internet for some comments on our recent victory against the New Zealand team. Not a word of commendation for Sammy, except from the coach, Otis Gibson.

Regardless of how well the individuals perform, it is how the leader handles the team that matters in the long run.

Sammy handled his team like a true expert, and he deserves as much

credit as Gayle, Narine and Roach for the victory.

I want to believe that this is the beginning of something good for the West Indies cricket team, and I am behind Sammy one hundred percent. I can’t help but believe this, especially when I see our team registering 500 and odds run, and the main man, Chanderpaul, getting a duck. Things have to be looking up.

One thing though: if one spin bowler has to bowl so many overs, wouldn’t it make sense to play another spinner so as to ease the pressure on that one spinner?

Fidel

Businesses and loud music

ensuring that KC conforms to the standards of good service.

COOK SHOPS and rum shops in all the towns of St. Vincent are given a certain time for closure at nights, but some are overdoing it. Furthermore, the police is allowing them to get away with playing loud amplified music, way into the nights.

Are they getting permission to play long hours into the nights?

My problem is, I am sharing a building with another; my section is domestic, while the other is commercial - a business (rum shop). While it is not done regularly, the operator plays very, very loud music late at night; the heavy bass causes me to get headaches.

I do not disagree with the long hours of playing music, but please lower the bass. The shopkeeper does not understand that loud music only attracts the lower strata of society. No man with a decent girl goes to a bar with loud music, where he has to talk very loud for her to hear.

Does anyone go around and inspect a cook shop to see that they meet the requirements the law stipulates, such as urinals etc.?

The police do not have to await a complain to stop loud music; they need to read the Noise Act: Chap. 389 sect. 20, sub-sect. 1-8.

A gracious consumer

Hurting

Implement the death penalty IN 2001, WE REMOVED a government which we thought was incapable of tackling the nation’s woes. We replaced it with one that promised better.

Today, however, we see the same huge potholes, traffic jams, rising food prices, hospital woes and the very burning issue of high crime.

After eleven years in office, it is disappointing to say that while there have been lots of foreign dollars spent on building (resource centres, library, etc.) and lots more handouts, there is no doubt a lot more guns in the hands of the wrong people, which they use to rob and kill people.

The callous murder of Jennifer Lewis, that young artist who resided

Adrian

Bishop Frank, his problem THE TIME HAS COME for Vincentians here and abroad to know the difference between Bishop Frank and Archbishop Simon.

I am Bishop Frank. I am not the same person as Frank Simon, who is the Archbishop of the Spiritual Baptist Archdiocese. He is a tall man and should be called Archbishop Simon, not Bishop Frank as many are calling him.

I am fed up of people calling me

Change must come from within ALLOW ME JUST to express a short and simple view.

Why do we continue to say we are God-fearing, that we are Christians, yet we continue to be so hostile to one another?

We open every living function we have with a prayer, but there isn’t a day that goes by without me reading about some breaking in to some innocent person’s

at Brighton, tells the story of the type of crime that has engulfed this country.

And what makes matters worse is that there are many in this country that will go all out to preserve and protect these criminals, if and when they are caught.

Time we stop all the ole talk and pursue the implementation of the death penalty. We must bring some dignity back to our society, and if this one way of doing it, I am all for it.

And a word of caution for the government: Governments will change because of crime. You have been warned.

home, or some persons having an altercation with somebody.

How can we worship God, a good God, without humanity in our hearts?

How can we call on his name to bless this and that, but we continue to hold malice against others?

Someone in last week’s VINCENTIAN called for a day of prayer. How many

more of these do you think will help us?

We have to change from within ourselves, our hearts, before we can reach out to others.

And those who we elect as leaders must stop this public bickering and cross words against one another. They are not setting any example.

Archbishop Frank, therefore, I am begging you, Archbishop Simon, to please help me by telling the public the truth, so that you can correct this mistake that even some of your own members have been making for many years now.

One night, I was at home sleeping when I was awakened by a loud voice calling, “Good night, Bishop Frank.”

When I got out of bed and opened the door, as soon as the man saw me, he immediately asked, “Are you Bishop Frank?” I said to the man, “Yes, I am.”

He said to me, “Sorry sir, I spoke to him today and he is a tall man,” then I told him to go back down the road, so he departed in the rain.

Please remember, Vincentians, that the tall man is not Bishop Frank; he is Archbishop Simon of the Spiritual Baptist Archdiocese; the short, old man is Bishop Frank of the Christian Pilgrim Faith.

I am doing my part, and Archbishop Simon, I need your help to amend the wrong. Thank you for your help, and let brotherly love continue.

Paul, J - Kingstown Bishop Frank

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10. FRIDAY, AUGUST 03, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE: PREPARING FOR AN EDUCATIONAL LEAP

The Issue IT WAS IN 2005 THAT THE ULP administration enhanced further the Education Revolution by delivering universal access to secondary school education in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The preparation for this major policy strategy was very thorough and required a great deal of research and discussion, among the major stakeholders.

The Community College, as it is now called, was established in 2005, and has a pivotal role to play in the delivery of education to our bright young people.

When the ULP came to office in 2001, it met this facility as the A-level College, without any vision or philosophy. Indeed, the NDP under James Mitchell and then Arnhim Eustace had no ideas as to how to further develop the A-Level College.Not so the ULP under Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. The ULP created the Community College with a mandate to provide a high level of tertiary level education to the citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, at a cost that is affordable. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College comprises four divisions, namely the Division of Arts, Science and General Studies; the Division of Teacher Education; the Division of Technical and Vocational Education, and the Division of Nursing Education.Now under the astute leadership of Dr. Joel Warrican and his splendid staff, the SVGCC is poised for an educational leap into the future.

Expansion in Programmes Through a franchise agreement with the Jamaica based University of Technology, the SVGCC will offer seven new programmes from September this year.The College will offer first degree courses in Nursing, Computer Information Systems and Management, Family and Consumer Studies, and diploma courses in Engineering.What does this mean for our Vincentian students? For a start, the costs of obtaining a tertiary level education will decrease considerably, ranging between EC$18,000 and EC$23,000, over a period of time ranging from two years to three and a half years. This will certainly allow them to work and remain in the comfort of their home country with their friends and families, while they pursue their studies. This of course will require some strict attention to schedules and time, if the student is to be successful.There will be two new Associate Degree Programmes which will be rolled out in September this year, at the Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies. These are in the areas of the Performing Arts and Media Studies.The Media Studies course will be of particular interest to journalists and media workers in the state, who are desirous of improving their skills and acquiring new skills.There is one exciting development in the Division of Technical and Vocational Education, and that is the development of a new Mechanical Technology Computer laboratory. This is being done in collaboration with the Mustique Charitable Trust, and will provide state of the art equipment and computers that will facilitate teaching and learning in this area.Equally exciting is the project being developed

with the National Ozone Unit to provide a state of the art Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning laboratory, for use by Vincentians and persons from the region. This laboratory will be a training tool for our young men and women who are interested in matters related to temperature control in offices and buildings in the state.

Enrollment It should come as no surprise that there has been a sharp increase in the number of persons who are attending the SVGCC. In 2008, the total registration at the Community College was 1484 students. At the end of the 2011-2012 academic year, the enrollment rose to 2179 students, an increase of over forty percent over the four year period.The most significant increase is in the Division of Technical and Vocational Education.

That figure moved from 437 students in 2008 to 817 at the end of the current education year. This is important for a number of reasons. It is an indication of the number of new courses being offered by that Division.

It also shows the interest on the part of our young people, to get themselves qualified to fit into the job market, and take advantage of the further training opportunities that will become available.Clearly the times are good for the advancement and training of Vincentians in the state.

Not only are Vincentians taking advantage of the opportunities at the University of the West Indies, and training institutions in Mexico, Venezuela, Taiwan and Malaysia, but they are also flocking to attend courses at the Community College.

There is a thirst for education; our people want to become more intelligent, and the ULP administration through the Education Revolution is providing this opportunity.

The Way Forward A mini University is developing before our very eyes, and a number of Vincentians are witnessing the further expansion of the Community College. The ULP administration is spending approximately EC$30 million to transform the College, a process that will enhance the delivery of educational programmes.Under construction are natural science and modern language laboratories, a visual arts studio, e-learning and video conference facilities, a student’s union building with a cafeteria, a new teachers’ block, and sporting facilities.

We urge the media to visit the area and see what is happening, so that more Vincentians will become more aware of these developments. The Community College has become an important plank in the Education Revolution. It is also part of the people centered vision of the ULP administration, its philosophy of applied democracy, the many sided economic strategy of sustainable development, and the quest to further advance our Caribbean civilization and its magnificent Vincentian component. What a government!

Too Much Pressure - ULP Must Go AS THE ULP ADMINISTRATION CONTINUES TO MISMANAGE the country’s economy, life is becoming harder and harder for Vincentians. The demise of agriculture, the decline in the tourism sector, the nonexistence of manufacturing, the unabated rise of unemployment and the slump in the construction industry are proof that the ULP administration cannot effectively manage the affairs of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Present Situation As you traverse St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the cry is loud and clear, “Things hard!” Most Vincentians are unable to make ends meet. The farmers’ income has reduced appreciably, in some cases no income at all. The unemployment and underemployment situation are cause for concern. Many homes have had their electricity and water disconnected because they cannot pay their bills, and the 15% VAT on basic food items is making it extremely difficult for the poor and working class to survive. At the end of the 20112012 academic school year, hundreds of students graduated from secondary schools and the SVG Community College. While some students will be pursuing studies at a higher level, others will be seeking employment.

The government has not advertised any vacant post for the year, and the private sector is not employing on a large scale. Where are these young people going to find employment?

What are they supposed to do after years of studying? This ULP administration has failed the youths of this our blessed land; it should be held accountable for not providing employment for our young people.

Presently, most parents are in the process of making preparations for their children to return to school, and they have already begun to encounter difficulties in their preparations.

They are unable to collect the textbooks from the Book Loan Scheme, a programme which was started by the NDP and criticised by the ULP. Parents are being told that the government ordered the books late, so they have to purchase the books elsewhere. . It begs the question: Why were the books ordered late? Also, parents have to comply with the high registration cost in some schools. Where are these poor parents going to find the money to buy textbooks and register their children?

More Hardship Although Vincentians are already feeling real pressure, very soon we will be called upon to dig deeper into our pockets to pay more for departure tax and property tax.

Departure tax will be moving from $40.00 to $50.00, an increase of 25%.

Property tax will now be charged on the actual value of the property instead of the rental value.This ULP administration intends to tax the daylight out of Vincentians after it has mismanaged the country’s economy. We have seen it with VAT and the recent increases in the 2012 budget, but where is the tax dollar going? That is the question most Vincentians are asking. The roads are in deplorable conditions, there is a shortage of medication at the hospital, schools are in need of repairs, and the

3% salary increase has not been paid to public servants. The ULP administration does not have a clue as to how to manage the economy.

Therefore, the time has come for NDP, which has creative and novel ideas and a competent team of men and women to manage the affairs of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Crime Under the ULP administration, crime has increased drastically, and the ULP must take the blame and responsibility. However, it would appear that the ULP administration either is not concerned or does not have what it takes to stem the flow of criminal activities here. We have not been hearing from the Minister of National Security, who happens to be the Prime Minister, as to how to deal with this serious problem. We must not forget that in 2001, the ULP’s campaign was focused on crime. They said that they would have been tough on crime and the causes of crime.

Eleven (11) years have gone and the situation remains the same, another failure for the ULP administration.

The NDP is concerned about the crime situation, and believes that the following steps should be taken to enhance detection and develop a more responsive and accountable Police Service: implementation of the spiritual, Social and Redemption Charter as the prime mechanism to deal with issues pertaining to our emphasis on the prevention of crime; increased Police manpower to focus on beat and other patrols; establishment of visible police presence in communities, especially those with high crime rates; reduction of response time; improvement in the collection and value of evidence in crime investigations to deal with crime and the causes of crime; establishment of a Crime Prevention Department; introduction of the Crime Stoppers Programme; and introduction of tougher sentences for sexual offences.The NDP’s priorities are clear: better prevention and detection of crime, more effective prosecution of criminals and enhanced rehabilitation to reduce the revolving door offenders. We will deliver tough action on drug dealing and crimes of violence, strike a better balance between punishment and rehabilitation and give our Police and Prosecutors the manpower, tools and financial resources they need to make St. Vincent and the Grenadines a safe and liveable community.

Closure In the last general elections, the NDP presented a comprehensive programme to the electorate of this country, a programme with a number of projects and Foreign Direct Investment. Had the NDP been given the opportunity to govern, we would have seen the implementation of these projects, and there would not have been the need to increase tax on Vincentians.The ULP administration has certainly lost its way and continues to fail Vincentians. We are fed up, we are feeling too much pressure, and it’s time for the ULP to go; that’s what majority of the people are shouting.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 03, 2012. 11.

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UWI Focuses on Building Technical Capacity in Cluster Mapping “While important for the development of trade theory, Porter’s theory of national competitive advantage also explains the existence of another phenomenon of international business activity, the regional clustering of firms within an industry resulting from agglomeration economies. Agglomeration economies occur when a firm’s costs of production decline as the number of firms in that industry increase within a given area.

Such growth attracts additional input suppliers to the area, which then increases price competition and innovation among those suppliers.” Ricky W. Griffin and Michael W. Pustay, Texas A&M University.

The Caribbean Centre for Competitiveness (CCfC) was established through a Technical Cooperation Agreement between the University of the West Indies and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The agreement was signed in September 2010 and operationalised in September 2011. The overall responsibility for the Centre resides with the Office of the Pro Vice Chancellor (PVC) of Planning and Development. However, the Centre’s operational direction is the responsibility of the Executive Director, as Head, and a Steering Committee comprising the PVC as Chairman; the Principals (or their designates) of all four campuses (the Cave Hill Campus, the Mona Campus, the St. Augustine Campus, and the Open Campus); Heads of UWI’s three Business Schools (Cave Hill School of Business, Mona School of Business and the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business); the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social Economic Studies (SALISES); the Shridath Ramphal Centre; the IDB; and the Association of Caribbean Universities and Research Institutes (UNICA).

This committee provides guidance, and is charged with ensuring that the Centre meets its objectives.

The overarching objective of the Centre as per the Agreement is to “establish institutional capacity within the UWI and Regional affiliates in Competitiveness”. This is to be achieved through: research and case study analysis of firms and the competitiveness ecosystems in the region; development of train-thetrainer programmes in competitiveness; business climate reform; clustering and SME development; development and implementation of training programmes for the public and private sectors, including a flagship executive programme in competitiveness to engender private sector growth for development; and providing an independent platform for public private dialogue and collaboration.

As part of their mandate, the CCfC recently organised a most enlightening one-week workshop in Cluster Development and Technical Capacity Building. The sessions were held at the Institute of Critical Thinking at the St. Augustine Campus of the University of the West Indies during the period July 9th to 13th, 2012 and attracted 38 participants from throughout the

CARICOM region; most of the regional countries were represented.

The list of attendees included representatives from the private sector, public sector and regional institutions of higher learning.

Professor Emiliano Duch was the main facilitator at the 5-day workshop. He was ably supported by Professor Miguel Carrelio, Executive Director at the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business, and Professor Richard Ramsawak of the same institution. Professor Duch is one of the pioneers in competitiveness development. The experienced practitioner has collaborated with the world-famous Professor Michael Porter of the Harvard University Business School in refining the practical applications of the cluster methodology. Professor Duch has been an advisor to numerous public institutions and governments all over the world. He has also worked with multilateral institutions such as the United Nations, the European Union, World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank. His vast experience in cluster development and analysis spans over 170 projects across the globe.

This Cluster Mapping Workshop provided participants with an understanding of cluster economics, global cluster programmes and policy initiatives. In addition, the attendees gained an understanding of the cluster mapping methodology, and understood the potential that this tool offers in relation to national and regional economic development. The participants, having experience in the areas of competitiveness, business development, economic growth and development, entrepreneurship, and innovation in the region, gained additional skills in conducting further research and analysis on regional competitiveness.

The intensive and interactive programme revolved around the case study method. Participants examined best practice cluster initiatives that had been conducted in Europe, the United States of America, Brazil, and Jamaica. In addition, several group activities enabled participants to develop draft templates for several sectors in CARICOM. It is anticipated that, over the next three months, additional work will be conducted throughout the region, as efforts are made to use the cluster mapping tools to create and sustain economic development throughout the region.

Mrs. Indera Sagewan-Alli, CCfC’s Executive Director, and her relatively small team at St. Augustine must be commended for their high level of efficiency in championing such flagship executive programmes aimed at creating and sustaining competitiveness and economic growth throughout the Caribbean.

Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com

Mandela’s legacy is a threat IT IS DIFFICULT to disagree with or criticize the legacy of Nelson Mandela without opening up yourself to all kinds of insult. The minute people detect that “oh that’s antiMandela”, they often lose all rationality and go on an insulting tirade. He is after all the “father” of the nation. Reality is that there is a growing resistance towards this transformation of Mandela’s legacy into some form of “religious” practice.

There is truth to the claim that Mandela’s legacy, in particular his legacy post his 27 years in prison, is an obstruction to the economic upliftment of black people. It should be worrying that racist and non-racist alike can confidently feel that they are custodians of this legacy. We are made to believe that this is the case because this legacy is truly that of reconciliation and integration of these two forces. This claim lacks truth.

The Mandela who went to Robben Island (radical, pro-black, nonracialism advocate) is different to the Mandela who was sworn in as the first black president of South Africa (a pacifist, half pro-black, reconciliation proponent). As a result, people choose to conveniently embrace this latter legacy of Mandela, one that is devoid of claims for nationalization and other radical utterances that are “a threat’ to white capital.

What Mandela preached in 1994 going forward was reconciliation without placing focus on the real causes of racism in South Africa.

Racism in its conception is about the economy. You cannot focus on reconciling the oppressor and the oppressed without dealing with the cause of oppression, which is segregation to alienate one race from living equally with the other race.

In 1970, Steve Biko wrote, “Let me hasten to say that I am not claiming that segregation is necessarily the natural order; however, given the facts of the situation where a group experiences privilege at the expense of others, then it becomes obvious that a hastily arranged integration cannot be the solution to the problem.” The legacy of Mandela that we celebrate today is one of “hastily arranged integration”, and it poses a serious threat. It is this legacy that made the white community feel that it had no obligation to pay some form of reparations to the black community for decades of colonialism and afterwards equally brutal decades of apartheid.

Today the Democratic Alliance embraces Mandela because his post 1994 legacy is in line with their liberal dream for South Africa, which advocates “an equal-opportunity society”. Why do they not embrace the legacy of Robert Sobukwe who was also a proponent on non-racism? The truth is that the liberal legacy of Mandela and the Africanist legacy of Sobukwe present different routes to the same desired destiny of a free and non-racial society.

Apartheid deliberately subjugated the majority (black people) in South Africa, so that all the economic wealth of the country could be developed and enjoyed by the white community. In order for the realization of freedom to be real, the restructuring of the economy and redistribution of wealth would have to take centre stage. The legacy of Mandela that we celebrate today does not allow for this.

We are made to believe that, today black and white are equal, simply because they can now all vote and choose their government. Yet, when you discuss the calamitous state of education in Limpopo whereby textbooks were not delivered for six months, you are dealing with the lives of black children. Then you hear suggestions that these deprived learners should have used libraries, and then one must deal with the reality that about 70%-75% of public schools are without libraries and the bulk of them are in settlements where you find black people. When you look at unemployment statistics, the contrast of the unemployed blacks versus that of unemployed whites is telling. This means that, even in the free South Africa, the lives of black people have still not changed.

This snail pace to change can easily be attributed to the democratic government for its inadequacies, growing corruption and lack of commitment to good governance. If we accept this, we must also accept that Mandela himself led an administration that gave birth to some of today’s problem. Of course, the white racists among us will begin their blame from Mbeki’s tenure, and the black racists will blame everything on apartheid and not hold the black government accountable.

There is unwritten consensus that the five-year period of Mandela’s presidency cannot be interrogated.

This is the cause of today’s structural failures.

The bridge (i.e. Mandela) that was meant to transit South Africa from a painful and horrendous past to a prosperous future was not wellequipped to handle the traffic of complexities. As a result, Mandela’s tenure became narrowly focused on reconciliation of the “elite” through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission chaired by Desmond Tutu. This worked because the elite of the National Party and the ANC even agreed to a merger of the two parties, by the NP collapsing some of its members into the ANC. What project did Mandela start to bring about reconciliation of the ordinary masses? What closure did the black masses that were forced to live in slums and rural places; in destitution and economic deprivation get? That project remains deferred, and people refer you to Mandela’s legacy when you bring it up. It is for this reason that I cannot celebrate Mandela’s legacy. I can only acknowledge it. Racism is not dead in South Africa, and it is not about to die because we were hastily arranged to non-existent integration. Black people were forced to forgive white people who never showed remorse nor asked for forgiveness.

This piece, written by Lukhona Mnguni, an African student pursuing community and development studies, has important lessons for us as we think about leadership and national development.

Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to: wefirst@aol.com

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12. FRIDAY, AUGUST 03, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion

Argyle airport must be cancelled now

Argyle airport will get the same rejection by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Castellon airport was apparently going to bring WE WERE FIRST told that the Argyle airport was due to crosswinds, that are a serious and major flight tourists, but it has only brought misery, debt and finish in 2010, then 2011, then 2012, then 2013 and safety hazard. The dangerous winds make it high unemployment, and taken money that should now 2014. It seems that the leader of the ULP regime doubtful that the Argyle airport will be useable for have been spent on public services such as hospitals has no idea what year the airport is due to finish.

95 percent of the time. and schools.

What is also of grave concern is the inherent, Castellon airport was due to open in 2007, then Arygle airport will only bring debt, misery and dangerous flight safety problem(s) with Argyle 2008, then… you get the picture! Farcically opened higher unemployment, and public services in SVG airport, and the striking similarities with the in March 2011, the airport has not had one plane or are already under-funded. SVG cannot afford the ‘ghost’ airport of Spain - Castellon airport. one passenger. We can expect the same at Argyle.

Spain’s Agency for Air Security found that the The ULP regime cannot build the Argyle airport on opportunity cost of throwing hundreds of millions of Castellon runway was too narrow for airplanes to a site that is totally unsuitable for an international dollars down the drain at the Argyle airport site. turn around, and too short to allow airplanes to airport rating. Spain tried it and got their fingers The Argyle airport must be cancelled now. safely land, taxi and take off. Castellon airport’s badly burnt.

The Argyle airport is destined to be a ‘no fly runway is 2,700 metres long and 45 metres wide.

Reported in the New York Times as a ‘symbol of zone’.

The Argyle airport runway is 2,743 metres long and ruin’, Castellon airport is one of the white elephants With so many young people leaving school and 45 metres wide. Common sense says abort Argyle that have brought Spain’s economy to its knees and unable to find jobs, it is crucial that SVG builds a airport now, as it too, will fail to secure a civil needing a financial bailout. Over $720 million strong, Green multi-sector, science-based economy. aviation licence to operate flights. dollars was spent on Castellon airport, but it failed SVG must replace oil-produced electricity with A report by the College of Aeronautical to secure a civil aviation licence to operate flights, renewable energy, ensure that education is Engineers in 2005 showed that the orientation of and the airstrip is due to be torn up. absolutely free from preschool to university for all the Castellon runway exposes it to risks from strong Similarly, hundreds of millions of dollars have our children, and take our gold mine - our deep sea gusts of wind and should be changed. The been wasted on Argyle, and now Argyle airport is an fish licence — away from Taiwan and use it to International Civil Aviation Organization agreed ongoing saga that symbolises the reckless public benefit our people. that the winds could be unpredictable, which would spending of the ULP regime on ill-thought out, The priority is jobs and prosperity for our people. make the runway dangerous to use. useless projects. The Argyle airport project is The Arygle airport is situated in the wrong place bankrupting our country; there is no money SVG Green Party and has very dangerous inherent tailwinds and available to build it. We must abort Argyle now as www.svggreenparty.org

The 70th Anniversary of IICA SEVEN DECADES ago, the world lived in fear of conflagration. War was imminent and it was feared that there would not be enough food, and especially not enough agricultural raw materials, to meet strategic needs in times of war. At the same time, the conviction that agriculture was key to development and to feeding the world, and that in the tropical regions of the Americas there was an abundant supply of such resources, was beginning to take hold. In this context, what today is the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) was founded in Turrialba, Costa Rica, a small town known for heavy rainfall and heat.

Today, as we proudly celebrate our 70th anniversary, we are convinced that we have a promising future.

Working in concert with our member countries to improve agriculture and rural life, we have accumulated a wealth of experience and knowledge related to agriculture in the Americas.

Some might think that an organization that has been in existence for 70 years may have outlived its usefulness. In our case, we are more relevant and more modern than ever and are working to fulfill newly issued mandates. Our 34 Member States have entrusted us with promoting a new type of agriculture which is more sustainable, more

competitive and more inclusive. They have asked us to bring all our human, technical and financial resources to bear in promoting innovation in agriculture. Therefore, in all our spheres of action, we propose the adoption of new paradigms so that agriculture can contribute to meeting the challenges of concern to the international community today, such as food security and climate change.

Today’s challenges are much greater than those that the visionaries who created IICA were attempting to resolve. Seventy years ago, there was less pressure on natural resources.

Today, more than ever, and given the alarm being raised by continued population growth, we must learn to produce more on less land and with less water. In the past, we were not as concerned about the climate, the damage being caused by our development models or the impact of agriculture on the environment and vice versa.

Today IICA strives to increase not only knowledge, but also awareness of the need for a new type of agriculture, one that is more sustainable as well as more efficient and productive.

Together with our member countries, we are placing all our hopes on innovation, on the use of agricultural practices such as direct planting and conservation tillage, on modern

irrigation systems, on bioenergy production and on the improved use of advances in biotechnology, to mention only a few.

Because our region is endowed with such biodiversity, is suited to agriculture and is one of the few regions with countries in which it is still possible to expand agricultural frontiers, we view the future with optimism. We are confident that the new agriculture we are promoting at IICA will be able to meet such colossal challenges as doubling agricultural production in the next 40 years; however, we are fully aware that this will have to be done with less land, using fewer natural resources and also, and this is very important, meeting the needs of more demanding and well-informed consumers. If we, as the human race, are to be successful, we must put into practice all the scientific knowledge we have generated in recent years. We must do so responsibly, taking much better care of our soils, using water more judiciously and applying agrochemicals more wisely, by making available to producers a number of technologies that will enable them to search for solutions to the problems we are facing today.

It is essential to bear in mind that in order to achieve food security, increasing yields is not the only goal.

Poverty is an obstacle that must be overcome to provide food security for all.

Of the 1.4 billion Victor M. persons around Villalobos, the globe who live in poverty, 1 Director General of the Inter-American billion live in Institute for rural areas. At Cooperation on the same time, Agriculture (IICA). the greatest potential for reducing poverty lies in increasing both agricultural production and rural employment. It is urgent to increase investment in agriculture and to adopt public policies that will encourage production, including by the poorest producers.

On this our 70th anniversary, IICA is using its history as a platform from which to envision the future and to thank all those who, over the years as employees of the Institute, have committed themselves to strengthening agriculture and rural development. Even more importantly, we acknowledge on this occasion the work of the millions of men and women who cultivate our fields and have made agriculture their way of life.

San Jose, Costa Rica, July 2012

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 03, 2012. 13.

NEWS

Vincy octogenarian celebrates birthday with church family

church’s high school, said he knew James for 24 years, and described her as a virtuous woman.

“She’s very loving and kind and very generous,” he said. “Sis. James lives a true Christian life.

She’s a mother, a grandmother, a sister, an aunt and a friend.

She’s been instrumental in the life of our family,” he added. “She and her (late) husband lived such an exemplary life — a model to our lives.”

Ynolde Mavis James with sister, Dofflyn King (R) The James’s only and cousin Hyacinth Krind. daughter, Valcie, a Girls High School alumna, paid tribute to her parents, describing Story and photos by NELSON A. KING her late father, a former seaman, as a naking@verizon.net “man we looked up to.Thank you for US Correspondent the father you created for us,” she said, adding about her mother, “I’m VINCENTIAN WIDOW YNOLDE MAVIS thankful I have her, and thank M.D. JAMES, on July 7, celebrated her 80th (Mother Dearest) for everything.”The birthday with her church family, friends Jamaican-born couple Joseph and and relatives at Christian Heritage Church in Brooklyn, New York.Patrons at Daphnie Higgins, as well as their compatriot, Antoinette Gilroy, a the four-hour, gala ceremony, at the registered nurse at SUNY Downstate church’s sanctuary, 4141 Avenue J, Hospital in Brooklyn, paid tribute in poured praises on James, a former elementary school teacher in her native song.

Mr. Higgins, also a guitarist, later land, originally from Troumaca, said James was a sound role model.“To describing her as a “true child of God,” hear what your daughter (Valcie) said “virtuous woman,” “golden girl,” today proves we’re on the right track,” “trustworthy,” and “faithful,” among he said. “Set examples and leave it to other superlatives.

God. I will call you today a ‘golden “I honor you, I adore you, I bless girl’,” he added. James’s prayer you for the years, and I want to say, partner, another Jamaican, Nola ‘thank you,’” said the church’s Fullwood, said they have “come a long Jamaican-born pastor, Bishop Albert way. Ever since we met, we just Delmadge, in his tribute. “Continue connected,” she said. “She fits a serving God, and let your life ‘Proverbs 31 woman’ (virtuous continue.”Bishop Delmadge’s woman).“She’s been called by many Jamaican-born wife, co-pastor Merna names, but most of all is ‘darling’,” she Delmadge, noted that James, whose husband, Bequia-born Eleazar William added, attributing the description to James, went to the Great Beyond four James’s late husband.

James, a former employee at British years ago, wakes up at 4:00 a.m. every American Insurance Company, later day to pray with church sisters.“We said Fullwood “never leaves me.”She met some time in the 80s, and her calls me like my (late) husband, ‘hi walk has become closer to God,” said darling,’” she said to loud Mrs. Delmadge. “She prays early in laughter.James’s grandson, Nekkora, the morning, and she’s blessed.”

25, said his grandmother’s discipline Clive Earle, a teacher at the

Birthday Girl, Ynolde Mavis James (center), with daughter Valcie and her sons Rashide (L) and Nekkora.

kept him out of jail.

“I may not be the most religious person, but she kept me out of prison,” he said.

“I thank you for the whopping (whipping),” he added. “I thank you for raising my brother (Rashide, 23) and me. I am so grateful for having what a lot of people don’t have.” James, who lived in Beachmont, Kingstown, before migrating to New York

Church's pastor, Bishop Albert Delmadge.

in 1977, thanked the attendees and “all those who worked to ensure I have a happy birthday. God has kept me for 80 years,” she said. “I am happy in the Lord.”

Ynolde Mavis James at Birthday Table.

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14. FRIDAY, AUGUST 03, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Education

No stopping the Wood Work VINCENTIAN visited to learn.” the School, Culzac was He praised the School Despite the passing of into his third week of for continuing in this their Wood Work working with the initiative. instructor, Reggie Thomas students.

“Not everyone could just over two months ago, He expressed how work in an office or work the students of the School pleased he was with the in a computer lab, so for Children with Special knowledge and skills the having a skill ensures Needs are continuing to youngsters possessed, that they can sustain advance and refine their adding that “the themselves and be able skills in the discipline. students have been very to eat proper bread,” the The students, who had cooperative and willing Instructor mused. been working with Thomas for about a year, were understandably shaken by his death, and confessed that they missed him.

They, however, expressed delight that they have a new instructor, Enswerth Culzac, and said that he has been treating them well and sharing techniques.

Culzac is officially attached to the Adult and Continuing Education Unit.

Some of the pieces produced by the students.

When THE

by SHERON GARRAWAY

Enswerth Culzac (far right) with students from the School for Children with Special Needs.

Auntie Nicole graduates 31

By Gloriah…

“TO DO WHAT IS BEST, I look for good example; and follow in the way that I should go; so I’ll know what is right. But can I walk with you?”

These were the words of the preschool anthem so lustily sung by thirty-one preschoolers, Friday, 27th July, when the Auntie Nichole Pre-school at Kingstown Hill, held its 12th Graduation Ceremony at the New Testament Church of God on Wilson Hill.

The activity, which was conducted under the theme, ‘Education, Our Future: Teach Us Well’, first saw the excited youngsters gathering at the Graduates assemble outside the church back of the church, all decked before proceeding in a possession up the out in their maroon and gold aisle of the Church. gowns and hats, each carrying a candle in hand. They then continued throughout the ceremony, made a procession up the centre aisle when individuals and groups of of the church, moving towards the students bravely took to the seats provided on the platform. microphone to enlighten the audience With the prayer, National Anthem, about concepts they had been learning Scripture reading, and welcome at school. It was most commendable completed, the tiny tots commenced to hear them recite fundamental the singing of their school’s Anthem, verses of Scripture with gusto. and followed it with the pledge. This Several past students also joined in to was a cause for adoration, as these add to the programme. children sang as melodiously as, and Delivering the feature Address was with the conviction of adults. This Mrs. Dupont, Principal of the was followed with the personal Evangelical Preschool in Kingstown, a introduction of each student — some woman with twenty-eight years of eloquently, some shyly, but all in good preschool teaching experience. She spirits. took the audience through several This hype of enthusiasm was scenarios in which significant others in the lives of the children get involved, and showed especially the parents, how children pattern adults.

She cautioned that, armed with this knowledge, parents and others should make an effort to be good examples.

Several students were involved in a parade of ‘Career Wear’. When each child was in view of the entire audience on the platform, he/she did an introduction and gave an idea of the career indicated by the clothes being worn. Among these careers were, doctor, nurse, lawyer, judge, police officer, army soldier, and pastor.

The tiny graduates sang their graduation song: ‘Some Dream’, then were presented with their certificates.

Graduates displayed, in appropriate Special gifts were also presented to a attire, some of the career paths that number of students. interest them.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 03, 2012. 15.

News

Port awards Clarence Keizer scholarships THREE STUDENTS whose fathers are employed in the Operations Department at the St Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority are beneficiaries of this year’s Clarence Keizer Scholarship.

Nyella Antrobus, Tahj Bailey and Jerron Dopwell were awarded the annual scholarship at an official ceremony held at the Cruise Ship Terminal in Kingstown on Monday morning.

Human Resource Manager, Charmaine John, reminded that Award was named in the memory of, Clarence Keizer, a long serving Manager of Geest Industries, who had made a sterling contribution to this country. She said that the scholarships are not

only awarded to those who achieve academic excellence, but also special consideration was given to students whose parents were port workers and had passed on.

Port Authority chairman, Edwin Snagg noted that this year, all the scholarships went to students whose parents were employed in Operations. He commended the Authority for its role in education development and contributing to the government’s thrust in the education revolution.

Marketing Manager of the Eastern Caribbean Group of Companies, Martin Laborde, in delivering the feature address, said that Keizer made a meaningful contribution to this

Tahj Bailey accepts his award. country. He said that he did not think one could engage in conversation about education without mentioning the name Keizer. He noted that his family members have also been involved in education.

Basing his address around the theme ‘Striving For Excellence’, Laborde told the students that the Port Authority awarded them the scholarships because they excelled in what they did. He told them that whatever they are today is not necessarily

their destiny or what they will be tomorrow.

He told them that, even as they look out now and see good today, it can become better in the future.

“Don’t rejoice in what you have accomplished.

Rejoice in what is ahead of you,” Laborde urged.

Laborde urged the students to pursue things with excellence, and to do whatever it takes to do their best.

“We always have room to grow. We always have knowledge base and opportunity to expand our capacity,” he said.

Jerron Dopwell accepts his award from Port Authority CEO Bishorn John.

Nyella Antrobus receiving his award.

16. FRIDAY, AUGUST 03, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 03, 2012. 17.

V UWI Theatre Arts students dance bongo 18. FRIDAY, AUGUST 03, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Arts

production, directed, managed and dramatized NINETEEN STUDENTS, the by members of the class. very first group of the UWI Mrs. Deborah Open Campus SVG, Dalrymple, Head of the Certificate in Theatre Arts UWI Open Campus SVG, programme, completed told the gathering prior their final examination last to the staging of the Wednesday, 25th July, at play, that what they the Peace Memorial Hall. were bringing to life was The exam included a in keeping with the complete theatrical University’s commitment

By Gloriah…

A moment of confrontation.

to open up studies to non-traditional courses, but courses that would assist students to fit in, where their talents are applicable.

The cast of the UWI Open Campus SVG, Certificate in Theatre Arts programme production of ‘Dance Bongo’.

whom they were most proud; and Sarah, the old woman whose firm The play ‘Dance conviction it was that Bongo’ by Trinidadian Jeremy had spitefully Errol Hill, was chosen, murdered her grandson and class members had because he was a better to audition for roles on Bongo dancer. the cast, after the This struggle was management team of Director, Stage Manager, evident throughout the Costume and Set play, yet the play’s Designer, and Light and central conflict centred Sound Technician were on the ‘unseen forces’ selected from among that controlled the them. actions of these persons.

‘Dance Bongo’, with its exploration of the ‘significance of a ritual dance’, evolved around a three-sided conflict between: the ‘Stranger’, a ritualistic Bongo dancer, who came to the village loaded with mystery and an ominous premonition — he only danced ‘for the dead’; Jeremy, the pompous, headstrong, village Bongo dancer of

The Play

It was a play of suspense, mystery and controversy. It lent itself to a production that employed subtle symbolism, adopted and adapted to showcase total realism.

The class’ interpretation was extremely interesting — a realistic setting that made room for symbolic features.

Director of the play, class member Nisha

John, said in her Director’s Message that, “Conceptualizing Errol Hill’s ‘Dance Bongo’ meant that I had to understand symbolism to bring life to a play of fantasy.”

Course Tutor, Mrs. Grace Peters-Clarke commended the students on their interpretation and execution on show night.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 03, 2012. 19.

Culture

Chatoyer: Ensuring the future of Mas in SVG to the art form.

The mas man explained, “We go round the clock IT SEEMS THAT EVEN when in creating these costumes, and his mother’s womb, Chatoyer Boyde’s world was filled with the to see the finished product on stage and in the streets of buzz of mas tent activity.

Now 28 years old, he is one Kingstown is what gives me joy. But when it’s all over, it of the chief workers in his pains me to see the costumes father’s carnival band, Guinness Y De Lima Hitz FM thrown in the road like trash.

We know that the Blondie Bird and Friends. masqueraders had a good time The youngest son of Elroy ‘Blondie Bird’ Boyde, Chatoyer and they party and got their said he enjoys the art form in money’s worth, but after all that hard work, it is as if which he molds, sews and nobody cares.” helps to create costumes The outspoken Chatoyer displayed by masqueraders at told THE VINCENTIAN that, Vincy Mas. while Vincy Mas has improved He admits to being taught in many ways, it still needs to the art by the late cultural re-examined, in particular the stalwart, Roy ‘The Dragon’ Ralph and his father, but also way it is being packaged and sold to the public. concedes that he gets great He expressed, “When I used pleasure just seeing the to play Kiddies Carnival, the kaleidoscope of colours on Park (Victoria Park) used to parade. be full ah people. I think that He is thankful that he has learned skills which help him the CDC spending too much money promoting shows that earn a living and be his own people would go to, like Soca entrepreneur, even as he Monarch, and not taking that speaks of challenging aspects

by SHERON GARRAWAY

money to help promote other events. They basing the carnival on fetes, but I believe more emphasis should be based on the carnival activities such as mas…they need to step up.”

While he was pleased to see the number of bands participating in the festival, Chatoyer expressed a view that the corporate sector was being strained because of the increased demand for sponsorship. He suggested that the CDC put a limit on the number of bands for the festival, and pointed out that this could probably ensure an increase in prize money which, he said, was needed.

“Is time for the prize money to raise up…soca monarch artistes asking for more, while we mas men still the same.

We could spend over $60,000 to get a band together and the prize money is only $25,000, That can’t be right!!! We need to run our carnival like a business not like a mauby

(L – R): Chatoyer Boyde and Elroy ‘Blondie Bird’ Boyde at the mas tent’s headquarters at Kingstown Hill. shop kind ah thing,” the young man said as though making a point on behalf of all mas men and women.

With persons like Chatoyer firmly entrenched in his

father’s mas tent, Vincentians can expect that the Guinness Y De Lima Hitz FM Blondie Bird and Friends mas tent will be turning our costume bands for a very long time to come.

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20. FRIDAY, AUGUST 03, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

OPINION

Because he loves me I COWER IN THE CORNER as he stands nearby I cover my mouth as I try to muffle my cries I know tonight he’ll tell me he loves me.

Tomorrow I’m sure I’ll see…

The attempts to hide the bruises The looks of disdain Forget them I’ll say!

I might be one of two women but I am his main.

I try my best to please him I even rub his feet He loves me that’s why he hits me And why I cower in defeat A never ending cycle, when will it change I know that it’s my fault he says it again and again I’m positive he loves me I’ll disregard my fears I’m positive he loves me Deep down I’m sure he cares.

Beneath the cover of our Ins and Out magazine, lies a deep, dark, problem that rivals the black sands of our beaches. It is the constant battering, bruising, physical, sexual

and mental abuse of our women. It transcends boundaries of race, economic and social background, religion and class.

The United Nations defines violence against women as ‘any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivations of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life.’

Ban Ki Moon, United Nations Secretary General, said: "Violence against women continues to persist as one of the most heinous, systematic and prevalent human rights abuses in the world. It is a threat to all women, and an obstacle to all our efforts for development, peace, and gender equality in all societies.”

Along with physical harm, women suffer mental/psychological harm through domination and verbal abuse, a combination

which causes clinical illnesses such as depression, the lowering of a woman’s self-esteem and self-worth, whether it be sexually or as a care-giver in the home. It is an internal agony that sometimes happens so slowly that women fail to recognize its occurrence, finding themselves in a deep abyss of regret, unhappiness, uncertainty and despair.

Additionally, women face sexual abuse daily, which is any sexual activity that is not agreed to: including inappropriate touching, rape, or attempted rape.

Women remember you are kind, you are intelligent and you are important!

We believe that interventions are necessary to assist in curbing this problem.

The primary prevention strategy is school-based programmes for adolescents, to prevent violence within dating relationships. However, in order to achieve lasting change, it is

important to enact legislation and develop policies specifically geared towards protecting women, addressing discrimination against women, promoting gender equality and moving the culture away from violence.

The health sector can contribute in preventing the recurrence of violence and mitigating its consequences by the sensitization and education of health and service providers.

Effectively addressing the consequences of violence against women and the needs of victims/survivors requires a multi-sectoral response.

As a nation founded on the belief in the supremacy of God, it is imperative that the religious bodies in our communities stand up and speak out against these actions; after all, it is to the church that many victims turn to as a place of reprieve and comfort. Yes, we preach ‘love your neighbour as yourself’, but we forget to

What did Jesus mean...

2. It is a sign of humility and respect for one's parent.

'WHAT DID JESUS MEAN WHEN Hence the command-(Honor HE SAID the Father is greater thy father and mother (Exodus than I ? Was Jesus saying he 20:12, wasn't God?' Colossians 3:20). Even The answer is: though Jesus was given all 1. Jesus said that he does this Godly power as his Father nothing on his own will, but he (Hebrews 1), he will never only does whatever his father become filled with pride like tells him.(John 5:19) This Satan and try to dishonor and clearly shows us that Jesus is overthrow his father's an obedient son of God. He is kingdom (Ezekiel 28:12-17), very loyal. Once when he was instead he shows gratitude busy evangelizing, his and love toward his father by disciples had brought food for respectfully being obedient him, thinking he was very and submissive (John 13:3-17) hungry from all his work; but - This was Jesus' earthly he refused the food they example showing us how brought him and said 'I have humble he was, that even food you know nothing about, though he had such a high my food is to do the will of the status, he submitted to others one who sent me.' (John 4:31- out of love, and became a 34) So in other words, Jesus is servant (Phillipians 2:5-11). saying that it is satisfying to And besides that, Jesus knows him, once his father is the full power of his father happy/pleased/satisfied also because he was there to see with his son's obedience in satan being kicked out of doing his will.

Heaven, so he would never

by ADRIAN WRIGHT

defy his father. (Luke 10:18) Hence the command-(if you love me, obey my commands).(John 14:15,23) 3. God the Father gave Jesus his status, knowledge and all of his power and authority, and established him as his equal or God. Therefore the Father is greater than the son. Jesus did not establish himself as God, therefore his father would be greater.(Hebrews 1, Colossians 1:15-20, John 1:1-3,10-14, John 17:1-5, 1 Corinthians 11:3) 4. Jesus also shares the same name as his Father, though we pronounce both of their names different in the English language. God the father's name is unpronouncable, its just 4 hebrew letters translated YHWH which is translated as Yahweh, from which we also get Jehovah and

lady from Vermont who met a gruesome death in the Leeward bus terminal, are examples of numerous incidents which have occurred and still occur in Saint Women speak up!

Vincent and the speak out about Grenadines.Violence violence meted out to against women is a you! problem which will not Do not think that fix itself, it will not end your partner does not unless persons are love you if he does not hit educated and women are you or that you deserved empowered to recognize it! Do not think it was their self-worth. your fault, and do not be It could be our friend, afraid to remove yourself sister, mother, or from that situation! relative, we should not Why do we pretend wait until it is too late. that all is well while our Let us show them our women suffer and a love whilst they are growing number of us alive, let us stand participate in the together and preserve brutality, berating, one of God’s most beating, and killing our precious creations, our female counterparts? women.

Scan the local newspapers, ask the By: Heidi W. Badenock right questions among and Shamora L. Scott your circle of friends, neighbours, or coEditor’s Note: Heidi workers on a regular Badenock and Shamora basis, and you’ll see and Scott are now entering hear similar stories their final year of studies surfacing. The tragic case at the Sir Hugh Wooding of the woman from Law School, where they Campden Park whose are pursuing their Legal enraged spouse decided Education Certificate. to end her life; the young

preach to our women that they should love themselves enough to remove themselves from their abusive situations.

Yeshuwah/Jesus. But they both actually share the same name YHWH, which signifies their unity or family relation as God. So it is wrong to think that Jesus is not God. Because if Jesus was an angel, then when we read the book of Revelation,we'll read about a time when John was about to bow down and worship an angel, but the angel told John that he shouldn't do such a thing and that he should worship God alone (Revelation 22:8-9). So therefore Jesus can't be an angel, but God. For Jesus himself said that whenever we honor him we are also honoring his father, for the same Godly authority of his father was bestowed upon him....all judgment, and all power to forgive sins,(Mark 2:6-12) and all power to heal, all knowledge, all power to raise the dead and power to

give us eternal life. (John 5:2123) In conclusion, Jesus/Yeshuwah/YHWH is the son of God/Yaweh/Jehovah/YHWH, and he is also God. Some people might say, if Jesus is really God, then prove from scripture that he has always existed from the beginning.

Well, here are a few of the many scriptures to prove this point (John 1:1-4,10-14,John 8:48-59, Genesis 18,Genesis 1:26,Genesis 32:24-30) But how do we know for certain that these Old Testament scriptures refer to Jesus Christ? Because no man has ever seen God the Father; Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God (John 1:18, John 6:46).Search your Bible and stop believing those deceptive spirits that preach contrary to the Holy Bible.

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Use your intellectual approach to get the best results. Take a trip or just spend some quality time with your mate. Abrupt changes in your home may send you for a loop. It might be time to shake a leg and do a personal makeover.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Don't overspend on children or on large purchases. You can prosper if you invest in property or mutual funds. You will have problems with coworkers if you are too extreme about doing things perfectly. Think about your priorities.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Plans to make physical improvements may lead to psychological changes, too. This is not the best day to visit relatives who get on your nerves. You should get out and meet new people this week. Opportunities to meet new lovers will I come through pleasure trips or social events.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Don't trust others with private in formation that could be used against you. Your lover may be annoyed if you have been flirtatious or not attentive to their needs. Travel will promote new romantic connections. Don't exaggerate.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Try not to discuss important matters with colleagues. Go with the flow and don't be concerned about your own job.

You can open up to your mate and let them know what you expect out of this relationship. Partners may try to argue with you; however, you must stand your ground.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Too much too fast will be the attitude surrounding your home environment.

There is not much you can do to alleviate the problem, but consider putting some extra work into your house. Direct your energy wisely. Make

sure that you take time to remember those you love.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Abrupt changes in your home may send you for a loop. Mingle with those who can further your goals. Get involved in groups and organizations that are of a distinguished nature. Don't be afraid to speak in defense of others.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Resist any idle chatter. Try to include friends and relatives in your activities.

Don't try to deal with important issues or make changes that will upset the apple cart. Get involved in groups and organizations that are of a distinguished nature.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Look into ways that you can make extra cash. Put your energy into learning new skills or picking up valuable information.

Finish those changes you've been talking about making to your residence.

Problems on the home front might be a little disconcerting.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You have the stamina and determination to succeed. Family outings that aren't expensive will be enjoyable and help strengthen ties. You will be able to talk about emotional problems with your partner. Old friends may not like your choices.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Real estate should be lucrative for you.

You may find that your quick wit and charm will help you in obtaining allies.

Groups you belong to will not only enjoy your company, but they will also share your interests. Contracts will not be as lucrative as you think.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Keep on your toes when dealing with others. Your emotional partner will push all the right buttons this week. Don't play on your partner's emotions. New emotional connections can be made through business contacts.

Fun Day heads for Georgetown THE SECOND ANNUAL AUNTY G and Wendaline ‘Fun for the Entire Family Day’ heads for the Chile Playing Field, Georgetown, this Sunday, August 5th.

Once again, the Day will feature a showcase of the best football talent in the country, when the National Football Team, ‘Vincy Heat’, comes up against a North Windward All Stars team.

Activities though, begin at 1:00 pm with a grand fair which is expected to include magic acts, face painting, bouncing castle and all the niceties that come with an occasion for the family.

According to Gerogette ‘Aunty G’ Nanton, one of the principal players behind the effort, “the Day promises to be as exciting as the inaugural one was, and I am encouraging residents of Georgetown and the country as a whole, to join us in an effort which raises proceeds that go to charity.”

For the adults who would prefer something later in the evening, the activities will continue with a dance at the Spotlight Stadium, beginning at 9:00pm.

Major corporate sponsorship for the

Georgette ‘Aunty G’ Nanton says that the Day promises to be even more exciting than the first one held last year. annual event has come from The St. Vincent Brewery and Sunsail.

Goldberg Foot part Devout 1. Fourth-yr.

Reverie students Footnote 4. Throatabbr. clearing 49. Actress sound Sommer 8. ABC island 50. Canucks’ drama gp.

12. Bunny’s movement 51. Lots and lots 13. Jacob’s son 52. Husky 14. Golden transport Rule 53. Light touch word 15. “The DOWN Electric __” 1. Librarian’s (Redford utterance film) 2. Pooh’s friend 17. Farm ani 3. April’s mal season 18. __-fi (abbr.)

19. Shows 4. Actor contempt Guinness et for al.

21. Casual 5. Half (prefix conversa 6. A Gabor tions sister 24. Cannonized 7. Wandering females singer (abbr.)

8. “Dracula” star 25. Pucker 9. __ about formers (approxi 26. Brave mately,women 2 wds.)

30. Frequently, 10. Comic to Keats Laurel 31. Underworld 11. Little kids 32. __ wolf 16. Speedy jets 33. Traitorous (abbr.)

35. “Shucks!”

20. Business 36. Lonely bosses 37. Stop (abbr.)

38. Actress ACROSS

41.

42.

43.

48.

21. Insensitive one 22. Gear in a ‘50s bachelor pad (hyph.)

23. Suites (abbr.)

24. Car style 26. Farm spins 27. March Madness org.

28. Goes astray 29. “Auld Lang __” 31. Ring 34. __ of London 35. Doe

37. Like cryp tograms 38. Least bit 39. Boxcar rider 40. Lena of “Alias”

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 03, 2012. 21.

41. Small child 44. __ Saints’ Day 45. Stop 46. “Caught you!”

47. yankees’ sport (abbr.)

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22. FRIDAY, AUGUST 03, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Doctor gets ÂfreshÊ Dear George, I WAS SO UPSET when my doctor told me that I should leave my present boyfriend because he keeps giving me STDs. I told him that he had no right to be saying that, seeing that I told him that

he is not absolutely sure that it was my boyfriend who gave me the STDs. You see, on the first occasion I told him that, I was sure it was my boyfriend, but the other times I could not be sure. I was not too faithful to my boyfriend over the past few

Second placed husband Dear George, I PUT MY WIFE in a situation that I am beginning to regret. I have been after her for some time now to get into a sexual relationship with a female friend of mine, just for the fun and experience. At first, she did not want to, but the time came when it just happened.

It was supposed to be a one-time thing, but that did not happen. My wife has been asking me to ask my friend to repeat the performance, time and time again. I went along at first, considering myself to be one lucky man, but I am not thinking that way now.

My friend has been making her own arrangements to meet with my wife, and I only found that out by accident. My wife has been sneaking out of the house to go sleep with this woman, and now she has been sleeping less and less with me. I have to be fighting with her to make out whenever. I do not want to accept it, but I am beginning to think I am losing my wife to this woman.

I do not feel cool about this, and it is beginning to affect me. I am now second on her list, and that was not what I had originally intended.

Loser Dear Loser, You have to be careful what you ask for because you might just get it. You were the architect of the situation you’re now faced with, and you have no one to blame but you.

You can try sitting down with your wife and articulating your concerns, and ask her to reset your priority list. Let her know that it was a foolish thing you did to bring a third person into the relationship.

Let this be a lesson to you, and I wish you luck in getting her back.

George

months. I know my boyfriend had not been faithful, but I did not expect my doctor to be telling me to leave him.

What got me suspicious was the same time he told me that, he was touching me in a certain way and on parts of my body that had nothing to do with why I went to see him.

Someone should look into these doctors and what they are doing to

innocent people.

PX Dear PX, You would be the best judge to know whether or not your doctor has crossed the line with you. In such a case, you should simply change doctors and tell him why you are taking that position. You can report him to the Medical

Association if you have sufficient proof that he has not been entirely professional with you.

STDs is not something to be playing around with, and you ought to take more precaution with your lifestyle choices. Get your boyfriend to seek medical

attention to clear his side of things, and if you are serious about being in a quality relationship, it would be a great idea to get some professional help that would give you the necessary tools to make better choices.

George

Sex to make ends meet Dear George,

Involved

THNGS ARE very hard with me and my family.

I am not working and my husband has been laid off for one year now. He has been taking a few jobs here and there, but nothing to brag about.

He does not know how the bills are being paid, and I dare not tell him.

I have been doing sexual favours to selected individuals to make ends meet. These individuals include my past lover, my past and present boss and a few visitors to SVG. I started doing this out of sheer desperation, but a strange things has happened - I am beginning to find pleasure in it.

The money is good, and I find I like being in control. I have a neat body and personality, and I am just using it to my advantage. I know the time would come when I would want to stop, but I am afraid I won’t be able to. What should I do when that time comes?

Dear Involved, Why wait for that time to come? What you are doing now is playing with fire that is very close to exposed gasoline.

The way to go is to combine your ideas and thoughts as a couple, and plot the best way forward. Getting some financial counselling

would not hurt.

Your present actions are bound to have devastating effect on your marriage and relationship with your husband. It is unfair to be sleeping with your husband, giving him the impression that he is the only one who has access to your body. He has a right to know what he is exposed to, and the sooner you do that, the better. Do not wait for

him to find out about your cheating ways.

The excuse of doing it to get by does not cut it, and I am sure he will not accept it gracefully, should he find out on his own. Do not make things any more complicated than they already are. Check yourself now and get back to being the wife you vowed to be.

George

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 03, 2012. 23.

News

Arrowroot farmers give feedback

FARMERS IN THE NORTH Windward constituency received their long awaited payout for the harvesting of their arrowroot crop. THE VINCENTIAN spoke with some of them to get their feedback.

MARIA DANIEL Owia Arrowroot farmer for 6 years We have waited a very long time, but I feel very good today.

I am going to put the money in my account, until I can employ some workers. My husband plants 3 acreas of

Arrowroot, while I plant 2 acres. After the delay in payment, we ran into debt, so we doubt out some of the fields, but by having the increase in price, we are going to extend our

arrowroot field . I thank the area representative Montgomery Daniel and Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar for the hard work they are doing, also the Manager for the Arrowroot Association for working with the farmers.

ALPHUS BAPTISTE Owia 50 years old

NAOMI DUNCAN Sandy Bay 37 years old

( L-R): Noel Jackson, Jean Farrell and Renwick Rose at last Tuesday’s media briefing following their attendance at a Trade Union conference in Trinidad and Tobago.

take it to the bank since I have some money already.

I have about 2 acres of arrowroot land, but I will add two more acres. The problem is the manures are not arriving on time, but I am going to purchase some manures. Old people say June and July is the time to throw manure.

Me happy because is long time I waiting, but I know when they get it, they will make the payment. I am going to

I feel good for now.

The delay in manure is a problem, but I never stop planting arrowroot. I planting 25 acres and is a lot of work.

The delay in payment

cause me bills to go up.

Without the money, there is no one to weed the crop I have to sell two vehicles and plant all kind of crops to get some money. The 50 cents good but the 60 cents for a pound of arrowroot they giving next year go be better. And when the arrowroot is harvest and sold, I think they should give the farmers some Madungo.

doing some work on the field, so that would be some much needed assistance.

THOMAS SUTHERLAND Sandy Bay 45 years old

I was born a farmer.

I grow up planting all kinds ROSE BAPTISTE of crop (Not pictured) including Sandy Bay banana Arrowroot farmer for 7 and years arrowroot, but I feel nice because I get since Hurricane Tomas I haven’t collect no a little more money. I assistance. Three acres of almost give up hope. Our my banana was destroyed. workers had strike Farmers need to see more because the monies were not coming, but it is here. returns, the money can’t I am going to pay bills and meet the demands. increase my production. A bulldozer is expected to be

CARICOM Youth Ambassadors OWTU Conference calls for regional (SVG) Committee formed integration

by KARISSA CLARKE THE NATIONAL WORKERS MOVEMENT of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is of the firm belief that Regional Integration “must be people-centred and built from the people, from the bottom up.”

This philosophy and more were reinforced at the 75th Anniversary International Conference of delegates of the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) in Trinidad, from July 22nd to July 28th.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines was represented at the Conference by: Renwick Rose, retired Coordinator of WINFA; Noel Jackson, General Secretary of the National Workers Movement (NWM); and Jean Farrell, Assistant Secretary of the SVG Teachers Union.

The Conference hosted representation from the Caribbean, the UK, Europe, South America and the USA. At a media briefing, July 31, called on the return of the Vincentian delegation, Jackson said, “The body of the Conference was to take a position as it relates to the workers continual struggle for social justice.”

Rose declared that the Conference solidified the importance, not only of rebuilding Trade Unions but of rebuilding labour movement as a whole throughout the region.

He also reinforced the importance of Labour movements moving out to make legislative changes through constitutional reform.

On the clarion call for meaningful regional integration, Jackson espoused: “We have got to position ourselves so that we are an integral part of this movement towards regional integration…. You cannot be a nationalist solo. In fact, nationalism and regionalism are one and the same. There’s much work to be done, and this conference has put on the table an agenda that is going to be collectively pursued. There is strength in diversity.”

by KENVILLE HORNE

NINETEEN YOUNG AND INTELLIGENT Vincentians were on Monday 30th July, welcomed to the newly formed CARICOM Youth Ambassadors (SVG) Committee, during an initiation ceremony hosted by the Youth Affairs Department and the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors at the Paradise Beach Hotel in Villa.

The CARICOM Youth Ambassadors (CYA) programme was established to ensure youths’ involvement in the overall economic enhancement of the region, and to provide leadership and service in the partnership with community institutions.

Membership of the programme now stands at over thirty- four CARICOM Youth Ambassadors (CYAs) from fourteen full and four Associated States, selected from youth organization and among experienced youth leaders .

The mandate for the CYAs programme was given at a Heads of the Region Conference in Dominica, in 1993. The programme envisions that in ten years it would be widely recognized for advocating and advancing Caricom goals of sustainable regional development and the Caribbean unity at the national, regional and international level.

Speaking at the initiation ceremony, Minister of Mobilization and Social Development Frederick Stephenson endorsed the programme, while noting the importance of getting more young

Some of the recent inductees to the CYA – SVG Committee with Minister Frederick Stephenson (seated 2nd from left), Youth Affairs Officer Anastacia Harry (seated 1st from left) and officials of the Youth Affairs Department. men involved.

He appealed to the media to spread the message so as to raise awareness.

Stephenson commended SVG Caricom Ambassador Tamira Browne for the work she has been doing thus far.

Youth Officer at the Youth Affairs Department, Anastacia Harry, urged the youths to get involved in politics.

“You are called upon not only to be politically savvy, but to become involved in the politics of your regions. It is an important part of being a responsible citizen,” she asserted.

She stated that politics provides a platform on which young people can address social concerns, and that political leadership was

necessary to address some of the region’s pressing challenges, including climate change, ChronicNon-Communicable Diseases, unemployment, youth gangs and violence. She concluded by congratulating the Committee.

The members of the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors (SVG) Committee are Natesha Alexander, Lauren Ash, Cameisha Bascombe, Ariane Baynes, Jamal Browne, Vatalie Caesar, Julae Charles, Raven Cruickshank, Emil Dougan, Shernell Hadaway, Aliaka Jones, Sanyu Phillips, Latoya Pope, Rachael Quashie, Kishore Shallow, Zonnia Shallow, Rolicia Spence, Bex Williams, Racquel Wilson. Ms. Tamira Browne is currently the CARICOM Youth Ambassador for SVG.

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24. FRIDAY, AUGUST 03, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Tribute

Jennifer was grateful for life Brighton Methodist Church.

“THANK YOU for my lovely Jennifer, a UK-born Mum. Thank you for a day artist of Vincentian in St. Vincent. Thank you parentage, was tragically for Cecile. Thank you for murdered by gunmen at the sleep in the daytime. her home at Prospect, on Thank you for the June 17. She had settled opportunity to re-build my in St. Vincent to look life in this beautiful after her ill mother. country. Thank you for the The hundreds who conversations I had today. overflowed the, albeit, Thank you for the cheese small Brighton and wine. Thank you for Methodist Church, my gold sandal. Thank you provided ample also for the safety of the testimony to the impact van driver and hope he is Jannifer had had on well.” persons here.

These were some of In their tribute, family the final thoughts members spoke of how penned by Jennifer Jennifer fell in love with Lewis on her birthday, the beauty of the island and read by her elder and its people, and how sister, Karen, at her she unselfishly used her funeral on July 12 at the gift to help other

by SHERON GARRAWAY

Jennifer Lewis Vincentians, particularly young children with artistic talent.

They reminisced on a Jennifer who travelled the world with the musical group Soul II Soul, and won international acclaim for her sculptures and paintings, yet remained humble with a grateful spirit.

In the service which celebrated her life, her pottery class reflected on an individual who was patient, caring and who had a good sense of humor.

Finding strength in God

A section of the congregation at the funeral service.

Reverend Adrian Odle, who delivered the homily, reminded relatives and friends of Jennifer that God was their refuge, strength and present help, despite the tragic circumstances in which she died.

He urged them to hold on to those three thoughts, noting that it was on these pillars that the people of Israel, thousands of years ago, found comfort during their challenges.

Minister Odle

emphasized that one often questions God, justice and religion when misfortune strikes; but he reinforced that the Almighty gives grace, and that His power was best manifested in human weaknesses.

The Minister preached, “Once again, a voice has been silenced by a gun. How many more must die?

Remember God loaned her to us…but don’t let her memory be in vain, remember what she did for us. Trust and place

all things in the hands of the Almighty God; it is not our right to avenge the killers and pray that they get whatever they get… God is always in control… God in his own way will deal with such persons.”

He joined the congregation in bidding a final farewell to a woman who he stated contributed so much to the lives of people in this nation and elsewhere, and encouraged those who were touched to impact others.

Reverend Adrian Odle leading the procession to the burial site.

Family members surround the grave of Jennifer Lewis.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 03, 2012. 25.

Sports Extra

Participants, officials, parents and well-wishers at the closing of the Grassroot Tennis Club summer camp.

Grassroot Tennis Summer Camp ends THE THIRD Grassroot Tennis Club Summer Camp came to an end last Friday 27th July, at the Club’s Murray’s Road venue.

The two-week camp involved close to 100 participants.

At the closing, Director of Grassroot Tennis Club, Grant Connell, announced that four players from the club would be entered in the upcoming ITF junior tennis tournament, scheduled for the National Tennis Centre, from 13th to 18th August.

The four players are girls Kamara Williams and Shania Williams, and boys Antonio Caine and Richard Hoyte. They will compete in the boys and girls under-14 categories.

“Playing tennis for less than three years and reaching a standard to

participate in the ITF is a great achievement,” Connell said of the four players.

Connell also announced that the Club will embark on a massive fundraising programme aimed at raising funds to repair one court at the National Tennis Centre. This is estimated to cost some US$15 000.

Successful undertaking of this project will ensure that the annual ITF tournament is held here.

“We simply cannot lose that tournament. A lot of effort was put into getting that tournament to our shores, and it’s one of, if not the biggest sports tourism attraction we have in SVG,” Connell intimated.

“The facility with its palm trees and settings, it was the best in the OECS, and with a little input from our

Stowe heads Bequia Football Association DOMINIQUE STOWE is the new president of the Bequia Football Association.

He was appointed to the post last Monday evening, 30th July, when the association held its Annual General Meeting at the Bequia Community High School.

Stowe, committee member on the executive of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation, replaces Leslian James, who has migrated.

Ollivierre, who served on the executive headed by Garfield Gurley, who has also migrated, will serve as Treasurer.

The first vice president is Adrian Ollivierre, with Wayne Peters, Secretary. The Assistant Treasurer is Alana Phillips.

Racie Duncan holds the post of Public Relations Officer.

Former national under-20 and senior team coach, Kendale Mercury, has been appointed the association’s Technical Director, and Ralph Stowe, the association’s coach.

The executive will be completed this Saturday, August 4, when five committee members will be selected during the executive committee’sw first meeting, at the Bequia District Council’s office in Port Elizabeth.

Dominique Stowe, new President of the Bequia Football Association.

The previous executive experienced several obstacles in its short tenure, which included a problematic 2011 Bequia football competition.

Among the issues which affected the competition were ill discipline and general poor administration.

private sector, we can get it back on top,” Connell said with a tone of optimism.

A confident Connell said , “It will be fixed, and hopefully it will be used by more of our juniors ,so when players from overseas arrive to compete in the ITF tournament, it will

be our home court, and our juniors can take advantage of that and have the edge.”

The closing of the Summer Camp was followed by the opening last Monday of the Milo Junior Tennis Tournament, which finishes this Saturday.

26. FRIDAY, AUGUST 03, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Paul’s Avenue, P.O. Box 592, Kingstown Tel: 456-1821 Fax: 457-2821 E-mail: metrocint@vincysurf.com Website: www.metrocintsvg.com

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 03, 2012 . 27.

Silver Medals for OECS Squash Juniors AT THE CLOSE of the 2012 Caribbean Junior Squash Championships, held in Jamaica, July 20 to 26, the boys-only OECS team had turned in impressive The OECS Junior Squash team and team officials (L-R): Romario Constance performances, emerging with a (SVG), Joe Kniepp (Coach BVI), Jason Doyle (SVG), James Bentick (Coach trio of 2nd place finishes.

SVG), Rory Thornton (BVI), Kevin Hannaway (SVG), Shane Slater (Manager), The championships began Stephan Joseph (BVI) Front: Kai Bentick (SVG). with the individual events, with Vincentians Kai Bentick (Under-13), Jason Doyle (Under-15), Kevin Hannaway and Romario Constance (both Under-19) competing for glory in their respective age groups.

All four players reached the quarter-final stage, with Constance going down to 2/11, 2/11, 5/11, to 3rd seed Jason-Ray Khalil (Guyana), and Bentick coming up short in a close encounter, 11/9, 11/7, 5/11, 10/12, 8/11, with Rithew Saywack of Barbados.

SOME PERSONS here are Seeded #2 and #1 in their respective divisions, expressing concern over the neither Doyle nor Hannaway dropped a game en association between two of route to their groups’ finals. this country’s 2012 In one of the most thrilling matches of the Olympiads and Kittitian Championship, Doyle came agonizingly close to track and field athlete, victory, eventually losing to Cayman’s #1 seed Tameka Williams.

Julian Jervis, 11/13, 12/10, 8/11, 11/6, 9/11.

Williams was sent home Meanwhile, Hannaway came up short against from the London Olympics, long-time rival Noah Browne (Bermuda) for the last Saturday, after, Boys Under-19 title. With both players competing according to a St. Kitts and in their last Caribbean Junior Championship, the Nevis Notional Olympic match was keenly contested, with Browne Committee (SKNOC) prevailing 6/11, 11/9, 11/8, 11/3. statement, she The individual events out of the way, the “volunteered information to Vincentians joined their OECS colleagues, Rory the effect that she has been Thornton and Stefan Joseph, to challenge for the using a substance which Boys Team Title. the SKNOC considers to Tameka Williams disgraced Seeking to emulate the historic performance of fall outside the Kittitian sprinter, shares the the OECS Men’s Team in 2011, i.e. the first-ever internationally accepted same Track club as two medical code.”

Caribbean team title for the OECS, the 3rd The concern here arises Vincentian athletes. seeded Boys team looked in good form in the Pool from the fact that stage.

Vincentian 2012 They secured a semi-final spot with a 3-2 win Olympiads, track and field athletes Courtney Williams and over Cayman Islands, a 4-1 routing of Barbados Kineke Alexander, and Williams are all members of the and a 3-2 upset win over #2 seed Guyana.

Texas-based Elite Performance Track Club.

In the semi-final against Trinidad and Tobago, The Washington Post last Sunday quoted SKNOC Vice the team was dominant, quickly going up 4 president Dennis Knight as saying that Williams had been matches to 0, following wins from Jason Doyle, Stefan Joseph, Kevin Hannaway and Kai Bentick. using a substance which was, “clearly outside the medical code.”

T&T claimed the “dead rubber” match to end the Knight also told the Associated Press that, “Williams score at 1-4 to OECS. had not tested positive, but the team acted after consulting The finals pitted the OECS against the with the World Anti-Doping Agency, “to find out about the favoured Bermuda team. product.”

Unfortunately, the OECS boys were unable to The 22-year-old Williams was set to take part in the stop the Bermuda juggernauts, eventually going women’s 100 and 200M at the London Games. down by a score of 1-4.

As a result of the action taken against Williams, Despite the loss, the OECS players were Kittitian track and field coach, Fitzroy Eric Francis, has pleased with by their performances, and served notice that he intends to sue his country’s National committed to ensuring top performances by the Olympic Committee, over its handling of the Williams’ OECS in future championships. affair.

Interestingly, Francis is the official Track and Field The OECS team’s participation was made coach and physiotherapist for St Vincent and the possible with support from the National Lotteries Grenadines at the London Olympics.

Authority and Deloitte and Touche.

Concern about Vincentians’ association

Jason Doyle (right), silver medalist in the Under-15 group.

Kevin Hannaway (right), silver medalist in the Under-19, played his last Championship as a junior.

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28. FRIDAY, AUGUST 03, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Hector,Bascombe punish Police 1

THREE NATIONAL PLAYERS recorded outstanding performances ahead of the WINLOTT Windards Twenty/20 Cricket Championship.

Miles Bascombe and Donwell Hector took toll of an unimpressive Police 1 bowling attack to record centuries for Victors One, in a NLA Premier Division match of the NLA National Cricket Competition.

In the match played last weekend at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, opener Mile Bascombe smashed his first century at this level, registering 6 sixes and 3 fours on his way to 102 not out.

Hector stroked his second century of the season when he pummeled the lawmen for 128, laced with 3 sixes and 11 fours.

As if that was not enough brutality inflicted on the Police, national

opener Donson Andrews was also among the runs, with an aggressive 97.

Victors One’s lone innings of 335 for 3 put spend to any real fight by Police I who recorded 44 and 151 in their two turns at the crease, to go down in defeat by an innings and 151 runs.

Alston Bobb had a seven-wicket match haul for Victors, to continue in his recent rich form with the ball.

Only Kenroy Peters with a first innings score of 20 and a second innings of 44 offered any resistance by the Police 1.

In another Premier Division weekend match, front runners Team Rivals recorded their fourth outright win of the season, when they defeated the News Spartans by 10 wickets at Arnos Vale 2.

News Spartans batted

first and made 124, with Nixon Mc Lean leading with 59 and Dawnley Joseph 27. Deighton Butler took 3 for seven and Keswick Williams 2 for 13. Batting a second time, Spartans made 139. T-Ron Simon led with 57 and Dawnley Joseph 34. Olanzo Jackson took 4for 17 and Asif Hooper 2 for 11.

Team Rivals in their first innings made 259 for nine declared. Marvin Small topscored with 55.

Kadir Nedd had 48, Casmond Walters 42 and Asif Hooper 29. T’Ron Simon took 4 for 70, Nixon Mc Lean 2 for 35 and Micah Joseph 2 for 45. Set five runs to win, Team Rivals closed on eight without loss.

This weekend, in the NLA Premier Division, Team Rivals will play Police 2 at Arnos Vale 1, while Police 1 oppose ASCO at Arnos Vale 2.

Donwell Hector hit 128

Miles Bascombe stroked 102 not out In the NLA First Hill at Division, Bryden Frutee Buccament.

Youths Combine will take on Radcliffe Too at I.B.A.ALLEN North Union, while Belmont will oppose Sion

Three newcomers in Female National Squad THREE NEWCOMERS have been included in a 14-member female national cricket team to represent this country in the West Indies 20/20 tournament, which takes place in Jamaica this month.

The three are Latoya Providence, Stacy-Ann Adams and Crystal John.

The three earned their places after good performances in the 2012 national female cricket tournament.

The team will be led by experienced West Indies player Cordell Jack, who will be looking to impress the West Indies selectors after falling out of favor in recent times.

As far as her team’s expected performance is concerned, Jack is looking to the experienced players

Donson Andrews hit 97

North Leeward cricket round-up

to contribute, especially with the bat.

She believes more could have been done in the area of preparation, Cordell Jack, but assured, “we will be SVG Captain looking to do their best.”

The full squad reads: Cordell Jack (Captain), Samantha Lynch, Juliana Nero, Stacy-Ann Adams, Hazel-Ann Foster, Terisha Lavia, Clea Hoyte, SherryAnn John, Crystal John, Mischka George, Venisha King, Shevorn Clarke, Latoya Providence, Rochelle John.

Six reserves have also been named in Jean Blutcher, Cammille Garrick, Jenisha Hackshaw, Kemon Homer, Nyasha Williams and Natasha John.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Latoya Providence, all-rounder

Crystal John, top order batter

Stacy-Ann Adams, all-rounder

VINLEC North Leeward Twenty20 Cricket Tournament continued last Saturday 28 July, at the Petit Bordel Playing Field, where two matches were concluded.

Troumaca Starlight defeated Sharpes United by 55 runs. Troumaca Starlight made 160 for 7 off their allotted overs. Leshawn Lewis scored 72 and Nicklan Alexander 25.

Augustus Cato took 2 for 10 and Kerry Isaacs 2 for 24.

Sharpes United were dismissed for 105 off 14 overs. Winston Skinner scored 39.

Kentish John took the first hat-trick for this season and his second in VINLEC North Leeward Twenty20 Cricket tournament. He finished with 5 for 22. Dorson Cottle chipped in with 3 for 24.

In the other match, Peto Stars defeated defending champions Troumaca United by 56 runs. Peto Stars scored 169 for 7 off 20 overs. Jeffron Whyte scored 45 and Nigel Small 30. Emil Anthony took 2 for 48.

Troumaca United were dismissed for 113 off 13.1 overs. Keshorne Shallow scored 45 and Sheldon Hooper 35. Vidal Edwards took 4 for 24 and Shan Lavia 3 for 35.

The tournament continues on Saturday and Sunday with four more matches.

(Contributed)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 03, 2012. 29.

Sports

Under-13 included in football Club Championships

Goal scorers for Predator FC (L-R) Zachari Simmons, Kwanze Ashton, John Williams, and Kevin Small.

Predator FC hammer Triple 2 with a powerful shot 20 metres from goal.

THE MODEST CROWD that turned up The home crowd spurred their at the Rose Hall playing field last team on, but Kawanza Ashton Sunday 29th July, was treated to scored a 3rd goal for Predator, some thrilling football matches in creating doubts about any the Hairoun Beer Rose Hall Small possibility of a Triple 2 comeback.

Goal Football Tournament, not last Triple 2 did look the more being a 4-1 thrashing of home team dangerous in the last 15 minutes Triple 2 by Predator FC of Fitz of the game, but failed to direct Hughes. any real shots at goal.

The first half was full of Zachari Simmons added further excitement. Delford Ferdinand injury to an already wounded demonstrated good ball control Triple 2 with Predators 4th goal, and dribbling skill to evade much to the dismay of the home Predator’s defense and put Triple fans.

2 ahead five minutes into the first In the Under-15 division, half, much to the delight of the Fonando Forces was made to work home crowd. hard for a win against Young But hard work and Ballerz . Both teams had a determination by Predator’s number of opportunities at goal, players paid off ,with Kevin Small but it was Julian Prince who providing the equalizer for scored the winner in the first half.

Predator and John Williams put He split the Young Ballerz his team in front, shortly after, defense and delivered a telling

by KENVILLE HORNE

Julian Prince scored the only goal to give Fonando Force a 1 – 0 victory. side-foot shot into the opposition’s goal.

Young Ballerz dominated the second half, but they failed to convert. Fonando Forces and their supporters celebrated their 1-0 win in gay abandonment.

Matches will continue this Saturday and Sunday at the Rose Hall playing field.

AN UNDER-13 division will be included for the first time in the National Lotteries Authority National Club Football Championships, tentatively set to open on Sunday 19th August, at the Victoria Park.

The Venold Coombsled executive of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) introduced the U-13 division in the National Community Inter-league Competition which was held earlier this year. It Paul Boucher, First Vice President of the SVGFF, was met with great says that his Executive success, hence its introduction on the scale is committed to bring of the clubs’ competition. football to the people.

Also included in the national club championships are under-13 and unde-17 women’s divisions, and male premier and first divisions.

Third Vice President of the SVGFF, Paul Boucher, who is responsible for tournaments and competitions, disclosed that the premier division will be increased from twelve teams to fourteen, to ensure that more football is played at the top tier.

Boucher also said that matches in that division will be taken to the communities instead of being confined to the Victoria Park.

“We want people to know the top players and the top teams, so we are moving the championships out to the communities,” Boucher claimed.

He said that this also is in keeping with the executive’s promise to bring football to the people.

Boucher also stated that the matches in the other divisions will be scheduled to inter mix with the various community leagues, which may be in operation at the same time.

The number of teams in the women’s under -13 and under-17 divisions is yet to be determined, while the first division should include about eighteen teams/clubs.

The national club championships were reintroduced in 2009-2010 under the Joseph Delvesled executive.

Avenues remains the lone unbeaten team in the two seasons, reigning supreme in both the league and knock out competitions.

James to lead SVG in 20/20 Tournament WINDWARD ISLANDS wicket-keeper batsman, Lyndon James, has been reappointed captain of the national senior cricket team that will represent this country in the WINLOTT Windward Islands 20/20 tournament, scheduled for St Lucia.

The selectors have also included two newcomers in all-

rounders Desron Maloney and Dean Browne.

In addition, the squad will boast the inclusion of West Indies opening batsman Miles Bascombe, the impressive West Indies A team fast bowler Delorn Johnson and the experienced Kenroy Peters.

They will be joined by

Atticus Browne, Salvan Browne, Alston Bobb, Keiron Cottoy, Donwell Lyndon James, SVG Captain Hector, Rolando Wright and tournament is expected Casmond Walters. to run from August 16th The day/night to 21st.

Desron Maloney, allrounder, is one of two newcomers in the squad.

Dean Browne, allrounder, gets his first cap.

30. FRIDAY, AUGUST 03, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

V

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(L-R): Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar, MP Montgomery Danie,l and Chairman of the Arrowroot Association Peter Ballantyne, encouraged farmers to stay in arrowroot cultivation. special occasion. “Farmers,” he said, “have been rewarded for their labour”.

According to Robertson, “..arrowroot FIFTY-TWO ARROWROOT FARMERS in has been the only crop where the the North Windward constituency have demand has outstripped the supply.” something to smile about; they have Robertson cited deficiencies in received the long-awaited payment for harvesting and manufacturing which their arrowroot. militate against this country An amount in the region of EC$ maximizing returns on the industry, 109,000 was paid out to the farmers and lamented the substantially low on Monday 30th July at a function yield, 10,000 pounds per acre, even held at the Sandy Bay Government though studies show that the yield School. could easily be 20,000 pounds.

The amount paid out represented Chairman of the Board of Directors an increase from thirty-five cents to fifty cents per pound for the crop, and of the Arrowroot Association, Peter farmers have been promised a further Ballantyne, told the farmers they have been rewarded for their patience and increase next year. faith.

He stated that, while the increase in A reward for hard work and patience the price of arrowroot is not enough, the decrease in the price of fertilizer Chief Agricultural Officer, Reuben will cushion some of the problems.. He Robertson, described the event as a commended Minister of Agriculture, Saboto Caesar and area representative, former Agriculture Minister Montgomery Daniel, for their hardwork.

Even as he admitted that “it is not easy harvesting your crop and having to wait such a long time (to be Arrowroot farmers gathered at the Sandy Bay paid),” Ballantyne Government School to receive their long overdue urged the farmers payments.

by KENVILLE HORNE

to continue, despite the hard economic times facing the country and the world. He appealed for assistance in the form of two mechanical harvesters for the next crop.

Rehabilitating the industry Area representative Montgomery Daniel also expressed delight with the good news, and commended the farmers for continuing in the arrowroot industry.

He alluded to the decline of the industry at the time when the ULP took over government in 2001, and referred to action since then, including: increased acreage under cultivation from 100 to 350 acres; refurbishing the Owia Arrowroot Factory at a cost of EC$1 million, and the introduction of two mechanical harvesters.

He conceded, though, that cultivation had decreased since the harvesters proved to be demanding in terms of their maintenance cost, and that acquiring field labour continued to be a problem.

Daniel, himself an arrowroot farmer, boasted about his 20,000 pounds per acre yield, and recommended that next year’s increase be no less than sixty cents per pound to farmers.

Minister of Agriculture, Saboto Caesar, described the payout as “carnival at the end of July”, and thanked the farmers for their patience.

He spoke optimistically about increasing the number of farmers into

Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines;

Arrowroot Association Manager Cauldric Browne oversees the issuing of a cheque to an arrowroot farmer. the production of arrowroot, especially so, with the increase in the price per pound of arrowroot starch received this year.

General Manager of the Arrowroot Association, Mr. Cauldric Browne, said that, although the total quantity of starch produced this year was less than the previous year, the price increase negotiated and received will allow the Association to pay the farmers a higher price, and offer more assistance for the upcoming cropping season.

Of the 60 acres of arrowroot planted this year by 66 farmers, the Association received 315,000 lbs of rhizomes.

(More on Page 23)

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